Police hunt men who broke into 96-year-old former PoW's home and beat him up

Police are hunting two thugs caught on CCTV sneaking around a garden before attacking a 96-year-old former PoW in his own home.

The pair broke into the elderly man’s house as he was watching TV, then pinned him down and threatened him.

While one of the intruders ransacked the man’s home, stealing jewellery, watches and cash, the other pinned him down and shoved a quilt over his mouth to stop him making a noise.

When they fled from his home in Yardley, Birmingham, in the early hours of Saturday, the victim was left shouting for help after the cowardly pair disconnected his phone line and removed his emergency pendant.

Police think the raiders climbed over a wall in the back garden and forced entry though a window.

CCTV from a neighbouring property caught them prowling through the garden before fleeing.

MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO

• Caught on camera: Massive fight involving 20 people using glass and chairs as weapons breaks out in Leeds bar

• Grandmother who thought she was dying of dementia blew entire £10k life savings – but doctors reveal she was misdiagnosed

• ‘No Shame’: Neighbour fined for offensive ambulance note breaks silence in Twitter rant

• Armed guard resigns after it emerges he ‘hid outside’ during Florida school shooting

• Here’s how much money you need to earn to be happy, according to science

The horrific ordeal has left the man terrified in his own home. He told police: “I was a prisoner of war in 1943 and believed I was going to be shot, but I was not as afraid then as I now feel in my own home.”

Detective Constable Laura Halpin, from West Midlands Police, said: “This would be an absolutely terrifying ordeal for anyone to endure, let alone a defenceless 96-year-old man inside his own home.”

“I have no doubt the local community will be shocked, but please be assured we are determined to catch those responsible.

“I’d ask people who may know who is responsible to think about how frightening this would have been for this man and do the right thing – get in touch with us.

“Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is could be vital to our investigation.”

She added: “Our teams are carrying out extensive house to house enquiries, reviewing CCTV in the local area and conducting foot patrols.

“Forensics and other specialist teams have been gathering evidence from the address too, but we need the local community to get on board; share our appeal and contact us with information.”