VIOLENT burglars fled the scene when their 97-year-old victim threw a plant pot out of a window to alert passers by.

The incident happened in Old Ruislip Road, Northolt, at 12.30pm, on Tuesday, November 1. The pensioner opened her door after she heard the doorbell ring.

Three men then forced the front door open, knocking her to the floor.

One of the men held her on the floor covering her mouth with his hand while the other men searched the victim's house.

As she was held on the floor the victim began shouting for help and managed to throw a plant pot out of an open window to attract attention of neighbours or passers by.

A neighbour heard the victim's calls for help and went up to the front door to investigate.

As she did so it was slammed shut by one of the men.

Police were called but a search failed to find the three men.

The men are described as between 19 and 21 years old, white, two with short brown hair and one with short black hair.

One of the men had an Irish accent, very pale face and slim build.

The woman was taken to Hillingdon Hospital but was released a short time later.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident or the identity of the suspects to contact DC Lloyd Strang at Ealing Borough Police on 0208 246 9168