AN elderly woman was left shocked and alarmed after discovering an intruder in her home in the middle of the night.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a 77-year-old woman was asleep in her bungalow near to Lake Road in Ambleside when she was disturbed.

She went to investigate and found a male in the hallway carrying an illuminated bright blue torch.

The male fled through the kitchen area and escaped towards Lake Road.

Police were called and upon examination discovered that the male had gained entry through a secured ground-floor window.

Nothing in the property was disturbed or taken but police are anxious to speak to anyone in the area who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in this area at that time.

Anyone with information should contact Cumbria Police in 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.