TWO boys have been questioned in connection with the assault and robbery of an arthritic pensioner at her home on St Patrick's night.

The two boys, one aged 13 and the other aged 14, were arrested at the weekend following investigations into the incident where a 79-year-old answered a knock at her front door in the Boston Avenue area of Runcorn at 9.50pm to find two youths.

After conversing with them, she turned back to go into the house and was shoved to the floor.

One of the burglars restrained her with an arm around her neck while his accomplice searched the rooms. They took her purse and ran off.

The woman was extremely distressed and needed medical attention as a result of her ordeal.

A similar robbery happened in Widnes within an hour of this one, though police are not yet linking them.

Both of the robbers were white and spoke with local accents.

The boys have been released on police bail to return in May.

Anyone with information can call Runcorn police on 01928 713456.

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