An elderly woman has been assaulted after a female bogus caller forced her way into her home and demanded money.

The 75-year-old was targeted by the woman claiming to be from the Electricity Board after she showed up at her property in Auchmannoch Avenue, Paisley, on Monday.

After forcing her way into the house, the intruder is said to have thrown the pensioner to the floor while demanding she hand over cash.

The shaken victim, who suffered arm injuries, gave the woman a £10 note before she fled the scene.

It is also alleged that the suspect stole the ladies purse before making off.

Inspector Tracy Harkins Said: "This is a horrendous crime and it is unthinkable that anyone can treat an elderly person in this manner.

"Fortunately we are following a positive line of enquiry and I am hopeful of an arrest in the near future.

"I have reason to believe that other elderly or vulnerable residents may have been a target of this suspect female and I am appealing for anyone who may have been approached or who may have inadvertently allowed a stranger into their home to come forward.

"The suspect female is described as being in her late 20s early 30s, tall and slim with either dark or blonde hair."