Police said the woman had been left "extremely distressed" by the ordeal.

The theft happened in James Gray Street, Battlefield. The man, who was wearing gloves, knocked on the front door and when the woman answered he pushed past her, knocking her against a wall, to get inside and take the items.

The victim did not need medical treatment.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are carrying out door-to-door inquiries and gathering CCTV images to glean more information about the thief, who was wearing dark clothing and a woollen hat. He was white, thinly built and had a Scottish accent.

Sergeant Alexandra Foster, who is leading the investigation, said: "People who prey on elderly and vulnerable members of our communities are contemptible. The person responsible should be ashamed of himself.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have noticed a man hanging around the area about 7.15pm on Tuesday to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Cathcart police office on 0141 532 4900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk