FRIENDS and neighbours of an elderly woman who suffered a terrifying ordeal at the hands of violent burglars have rallied around to support her.

Over £1,200 was raised in less than 24 hours to help pay for a CCTV system, which will be installed in the woman’s home in the hope that she will once again feel safe.

The 73-year-old, from Southwood Drive in Baxenden, experienced a ‘terrifying’ attack on Thursday afternoon after two men broke into her home and threatened her with an iron bar.

The woman was taken to hospital with wrist injuries after the men threatened her and made off with cash.

But despite the awful attack, friends and neighbours have been applauded for their community spirit and the way in which they have come together to help the grandmother out.

Sarah Briggs, who set up the GoFundMe page which has raised the £1,200, said: “When I heard about what had happened, I was just so angry and enraged.

“This lady has experienced something that will haunt her for the rest of her life and I was compelled to do something to help.

“Her family have now reached out to me to say thank you and I went to meet her on Friday morning - she’s feeling very overwhelmed by all the support.”

Mandy Graham, from Baxenden, also set up a collection to replace the money which had been stolen from inside the home.

She said: “It has sickened and upset me to know someone has taken someone else’s savings.

“It has restored my faith in humanity the amount of people that have got together in Baxenden, it’s the community spirit that makes Baxenden a family.”

Police continue to appeal for information on the two attackers who are described as white, around 6ft tall, one wearing a grey body warmer and the other dressed all in black. Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log number 534 of January 17 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Visit GoFundMe.com and search ‘Sarah Briggs’ to donate.