THE window of an elderly woman's home in Hereford was smashed by what police believe was an air rifle or firework.

Moments earlier a doorbell had rang, but when she answered there was no one there. She then heard youths shouting abuse at her before leaving.

As she returned inside, shutting her front door, the entire outer front window pane shattered.

Police say the woman was "extremely shaken and distressed" by the incident, which happened in the Quarry Road area of Tupsley on Tuesday, October 29, between 5.30pm and 6pm.

Police community support officer Elena Daffurn said: "Incidents like this are very upsetting and leave local people, especially the elderly and the vulnerable understandably concerned and worried."

Anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 0568s of 29 October 2019.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/