An elderly woman was forced to hand over her handbag after she was threatened at knifepoint outside her home.

She was cornered at her front door by two men, in Woodfield Rise, Bushey Heath, just before midnight on Friday night.

One of the robbers had a knife and they took a cream leather handbag from her before running off in the direction of Caldecote Gardens. They they got into a silver BMW which was being driven by a third man.

Police were called immediately and a search was carried out but no suspects were found.

Both robbers had scarves covering their faces.

One of them is described as white, aged between 23 and 30 years old, 5ft 9in tall and had a beard. He was wearing a grey tracksuit and a scarf covering his face. The second man is described as around 5ft 8in and slim, and was also wearing a tracksuit and a scarf covering his face.

The stolen bag is described as a cream leather zip-up handbag with tan handles and the wallet is described as a cotton blue, red and white purse. The victim’s glasses and Samsung S8 mobile phone, which were in the handbag, were also stolen.

Detective Constable Ben Heath, who is investigating, said: “This was a very distressing incident and the victim was understandably shaken up.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to please get in touch.

“If you can help, please call 101 quoting crime reference 41/49109/19.”