A PLUCKY pensioner who wrestled with late-night intruders in his kitchen after they burst into his home has spoken of his terrifying ordeal.

The 82-year-old grandfather told the Daily Echo: “There was a knock on my back door and I thought it was a neighbour. But when I unlocked it two men forced their way in and I ended up on the floor.

“They pushed me into the kitchen. During a scuffle my butter dish and vegetables went flying. Then they forced me into the front room and on to a chair. I was in a state of shock when they went upstairs and started ransacking my bedrooms.”

The retired stonemason, who does not want to be identified, said: “What they didn’t realise was that they were flogging a dead horse because I’d only got £5 in the house.”

As well as taking his wallet, the raiders fled with several watches, his bus pass, shop reward cards and a packaged Tetley’s toy red lorry.

He said: “They were unlucky because the watches were old and weren’t worth much; the police found one they’d dropped nearby.

“I didn’t recognise either of them and I can’t remember what they looked like. I didn’t want to look them in the eye. All I know is that they were in their 20s and wearing dark clothing.”

Police have just released details of the aggravated burglary on Charminster Road, near the junction with Luckham Road, between 8.30 and 9pm on Thursday, March 10.

Despite what has happened, the victim is determined to remain in his own home.

He said: “I’m staying put and I just hope that when the police catch the men responsible they will be locked up.”

Appealing for witnesses, DC Mark Shields from Bournemouth CID said: “This was a callous crime that has left an elderly member of our community feeling extremely distressed and vulnerable.”

• Anyone with information should phone 01202 222222 quoting incident number 10:506 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.