A child burglar attacked a householder with a screwdriver during a burglary in Wigmore Lane, Luton on Monday.
The incident happened at 6.40am when the offender, who was about 12 years old, entered the house through an unlocked patio door and stole a purse from the living room.
The victim, who was in the kitchen, heard a noise and walked into the living room where the offender lashed out with the screwdriver, causing a scratch to the victim’s arm.
He then fled through the patio doors and out of the back garden.
The offender is described as a white male, about 12 years old, five feet three inches tall, of slim build and wearing a royal blue coloured hooded top.
If you have information relating to this incident, contact Det Con Toms, in confidence, on 01582 394091, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111,
or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.