An intruder threatened a woman with a hammer in her own home before making off with cash.

Ipswich Star: Myrtle Road, Ipswich.Myrtle Road, Ipswich. (Image: Sarah Lucy brown)

Community leaders yesterday said they were shocked by the incident that took place on Monday in Myrtle Road, Ipswich. Police said the victim who is in her 60s, was confronted by a man who walked into her house at about 3.30pm. He then threatened the woman with the weapon and then stole cash and her mobile phone.

Liz Harsant, who represents the Holywells ward, which includes Myrtle Road, said it was a horrible incident.

“I’m quite shocked,” she said. “It just makes people fearful. You can’t even begin to think about it.

“I live on my own and I only live just up the road. I wouldn’t think anything of leaving my front door unlocked when I’m pottering around.”

Mrs Harsant said it was fortunate the woman was not injured in the incident but added the effect such crimes have one people’s mental state was “the worrying thing”.

She also said the fact people in Ipswich still leave windows and doors open shows how trusting the community is, but that everyone had to be aware of the risks.

“My advice, which I will give to myself, is lock your front doors and don’t take that risk just because its a nice day. Be wary.

“It’s quite a quiet road, I would think it is quite a tight-knit neighbourhood. Ipswich is a safe place but also you need to be careful.”

Suffolk Constabulary is appealing for information about the incident so they can find the suspect.

He is described as white, about 5ft 7ins tall, aged in his thirties, with blue eyes, possibly with an Irish accent, and was wearing dark coloured clothing.

Anyone who may have been in the area or may have seen the man should call Ipswich CID on 101, quoting IE/15/1162.