DETECTIVES are hunting a sick thug who attacked a disabled 94-year-old man yards from his front door.

The shocked pensioner, who uses a walking frame to get around, was jumped from behind by the mugger as he returned home from a morning shopping trip to Poole.

As he lay sprawled on the floor in the communal entrance of his sheltered accommodation block, the robber rifled through his pockets.

He eventually ran off with £90, leaving the pensioner shocked and distressed.

The man did not suffer any serious injury.

Police, who have described the robbery as “callous” and an “extremely distressing attack”, are hoping witnesses may come forward.

Neighbours, many of them also elderly residents, are stunned by the nature of the attack.

One, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo: “People cannot believe it happened in broad daylight.

“Everyone will be hoping this gutless person will be caught soon.”

The attack took place at Baiter Gardens between 9-9.35am on Friday morning.

Police say the robber followed the 94-year-old into the flats, knocked him to the ground and stole his cash.

Det Sgt Alistair Rogers, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This was an extremely distressing attack on an elderly gentleman and it is essential that anyone with any information about the offender contacts Dorset Police.”

Investigators say the victim noticed his attacker sitting nearby as he was returning home.

“This man followed the victim into the block of flats, grabbed him form behind and knocked him to the floor,” said Det Sgt Rogers.

“He demanded money and searched through the victims pockets.”

The attacker is described as being white, scruffy, aged in his 30s, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build, with short hair and a full beard.

He was wearing a blue collared sports shirt with a flowery white design and squares on top, jeans and brown trainers.