Police said that although the woman refused them entry, as the child did not look ill, the men pushed past her before ransacking her home, between 6.30am and 7.05am yesterday.

Feeling scared and intimidated, the woman waited on the sofa with the young boy, before the intruders picked up the child and left, having stolen nothing.

No calls were made to the ambulance service during this time involving a boy.

The first man is described as being white, 6ft tall, in his early 40s, of slim build and wearing a long beige tweed coat and trilby hat.

The second man was white, 5ft 11ins tall, in his late 30s with short, gelled hair, wearing a red T-shirt and black trousers.

The young boy was between three or four years old, of large build with short, dark hair and wearing blue shorts, a white T-shirt and dirty white trainers.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the men with the boy in the Baylham area, or who may have seen other suspicious activity in the village last week.

Det Insp Jeff Yaxley said: "This is an unusual incident which has left the elderly victim very shaken and distressed."

Anyone who was in the area at the time is encouraged to call Stowmarket CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.