A five-year-old girl bravely called 999 after her mother was attacked by an intruder in their home this morning.
The quick-thinking youngster's actions enabled officers to get to the scene straight away.
The incident took place in Edward Street, Hinckley, at about 7.50am, when a man entered an open front door and tried to steal a handbag from the house.
When the youngster's mum confronted him, he hit her.
As the woman tried to stop the suspect, her daughter rang police on 999.
The suspect ran off empty-handed. The victim suffered a minor injury which did not need medical treatment.
Detective Constable Pip Lynch, who is investigating the case, said: "This was a very rare kind of burglary which resulted in a confrontation between the householder and the offender.
"Fortunately she wasn't seriously injured.
"We were given the initial call by the householder's five-year-old daughter, who dialled 999 and then handed the phone over to her mother as the intruder fled.
"The girl deserves our thanks for doing the right thing, and helping us start our investigation right away."
The intruder is described as white, aged 17 to 18, 5ft 6 ins tall, of slim build.
He had short, dark hair, a clear complexion and large eyes.
He was wearing a navy blue peaked cap and a navy blue top made from "shell suit"-type material.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact DC Lynch on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
