A man has been jailed for burglary after tricking an elderly woman out of her home by telling her there would be an explosion.

Patrick Myers, 33, of Luton, broke into the home of the 80-year-old woman in Arundel Drive after knocking on the door and speaking to her.

He returned a short time later and forced his way in, telling the pensioner that she had to leave the house as there was going to be an explosion. He then stole her purse.

Myers, who was arrested shortly after committing the robbery on September 1, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at St Alban’s Crown Court on Wednesday.

The investigation was led by the specialist team, Operation Manhunt, which investigates distraction burglary, rogue trading and burglary where the victim is aged 70 or over.

Detective Constable Anthony Bradshaw, of Operation Manhunt, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who was left shaken and distressed by what happened.

“Myers was intent on getting into her house, and when confronted by the victim he created a sense of emergency in order to distract her so he could steal her purse.

“Although prior to sentencing Myers had offered mitigating circumstances to try to get a more lenient sentence, the judge told him that he did not deserve leniency and was given the maximum sentence for this type of crime.

“I’m pleased he will now have plenty of time in prison to consider his actions.”