A knife-wielding pair pretending to be police officers forced their way into an elderly woman’s house before robbing her.

Town leaders condemned the attack, which took place in Ronald Road, Halstead, at about 5.30pm last Thursday.

After initially claiming to be police officers, the pair, one armed with a knife, forced their way into the woman’s house before making off with her handbag.

The victim did not get a good look at the men, but described them as being young and dressed in grey.

Halstead town councillor Jackie Pell said: “This is very worrying and saddening. It’s just getting dark at that time and I would urge all residents to be careful not to open their doors at night.

“Some good safety advice has been put out recently about this, including putting chains on front doors and only opening it when you know the person.

“People will be concerned after this attack, but we must remember that it is a safe town.

“There has only been this one incident in a town of 11,000 people.

“However, one incident is, of course, too many.”

Fellow councillor Andy Munday also encouraged residents to be cautious before opening the door to people.

He said: “That is really horrible to hear.

“It’s not good at all.

“The police have issued crime prevention advice and I would urge all residents to be careful, especially on the run-up to Christmas, when people have Christmas presents of quite high value in their houses. My wishes go out to the lady involved and I hope she is okay.”

Essex Police has launched an investigation into the aggravated burglary.

Anyone with information should call Braintree police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 0800 555111.