A WOMAN was subjected to a 'violent attack' after a man armed with a gun appeared on her doorstep.

Officers were called to Grasmere Avenue in Blackburn at 11.10pm on Saturday.

Police said a man had knocked on the door and when the occupant - a woman in her 60s - answered, he was holding what is described as a small hand gun.

The woman was hit with the weapon which resulted in a broken wrist and she was taken to hospital.

The man took a set of car keys and stole a black Citroen C3 with a registration PO63 XHA from the drive.

It is believed the man ran off towards the Hare and Hounds pub.

He is described as Asian, around 5ft 8in to 6ft tall and of slim build with dark patchy facial hair and was wearing a dark coloured tracksuit with the hood up and his face was partially covered.

Detective sergeant Darren Irving said: “This has been a violent attack on a woman in her own home.

"She suffered a serious injury to her wrist and is understandably very shaken up.

“We are committed to finding who is responsible.

"If you have any information or were in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious, please get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to email 771@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting log number 1952 of April 20.