AN ATTACKER who robbed, assaulted and sexually abused a pensioner in her own home used her cashpoint card shortly after the incident.

The woman in her 60s was said to be "shocked and traumatised" after the attack which happened in the early hours of Friday morning as she arrived at her Poole home following a short walk from a bus stop in Ashley Road.

Police believe the man followed her home from the bus stop and then forced his way in. Before he left he stole personal items and it has now been discovered that he used the woman's cash card twice.

Det Chief Insp Neil Redstone, who is leading a full investigation into the incident, said: "I'm now able to confirm that this was a very serious sexual assault committed against a vulnerable victim in her own home.

"We've established that the offender used her stolen cash card at two cash machines in Ashley Road after the attack.

"At 2.13am on Friday morning it was used at the Nationwide Building Society - not too far from the Safeway store - then at 2.19am at the Halifax cashpoint machine opposite the Co-operative store."

He added: "This means that the offender was in Ashley Road after the assault and didn't return home until some time after 2.19am that morning.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ashley Road between the Safeway store and the Co-op store during the time period of 11pm on Thursday, September 9 and 2.30am on Friday, September 10.

"Is anyone aware that their son, partner or friend returned home after 2.19am on Friday morning and they are of similar description to the attacker? If this is the case then we need to hear from you urgently."

The offender is white, aged about 21 to 24, about 5ft 8ins tall, of slim, proportionate build with light to medium brown, well-groomed, neat and tidy hair.

He was quietly spoken with a local accent and the victim described him as good-looking with regular features. Police believe he had been drinking.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the Dorset Police appeals line on 01202 222500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

First published: September 15