Elderly man robbed in his own home in Glasgow

21 February 2018, 06:34 | Updated: 21 February 2018, 06:36

An intruder threatened an elderly man and forced him to hand over his bank cards after breaking into his house in the middle of the night.

The man forced his way into the the 83-year-old's Glasgow home at around 4am on Tuesday, subjecting him to what police have described as a "terrifying ordeal".

Officers said the suspect threatened the pensioner with a sharp object and demanded that he hand over his cash cards and their pin numbers.

The intruder then left the house in Menock Road, King's Park, with the cards, some alcohol and the landline telephone, leaving the elderly man unable to call for help.

Hundreds of pounds were later stolen from his account.

It was several hours before a neighbour became aware of what had happened and contacted police.

The pensioner was not injured but is said to be very distressed following the ordeal.

The suspect is described as being white, Scottish, around 6ft to 6ft 3ins tall, aged 30-40, with a heavy build and dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Det Sgt Graham McCreadie said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for anyone to endure, never mind an elderly man within his own home in the middle of the night.

"Thankfully he was uninjured but it is vital that we catch the despicable individual responsible and prevent him from striking again.

"Inquiries have revealed that several hundred pounds have been taken from the elderly man's account and we are currently checking CCTV and speaking to local residents in an attempt to trace the person responsible."

Extra officers are patrolling the area to offer public reassurance.

Anyone with information is asked to speak to the officers or contact police at the incident room at Cathcart by calling 0141 532 4977 or emailing greaterglasgowciu@scotland.pnn.police.uk