An appeal for witnesses has been launched following a robbery on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Vardon Road, in Stevenage, at 3.15am. The victim, a woman in her 50s, had been outside a house when she was approached by a man who forced her into the property demanding money and alcohol. He made off with a bank card.

The offender is described as a black man aged in his mid to late 20s who was of a stocky build and around 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a black shiny puffa jacket, black gloves and a black balaclava.

Detective Constable Emma Landucci from the Local Crime Unit at Stevenage is investigating and said: “Whilst this was in the early hours of the morning someone may have been in the area and saw what happened or saw someone matching the suspect description.

“If you have any information which could assist the investigation please contact me on 01438 757302 or via the Herts police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number E1/14/691. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”