Pensioner Hits Burglar With Poker in New Forest

30 October 2013, 15:28 | Updated: 30 October 2013, 15:30

Detectives in the New Forest are looking for a man with facial injuries - after a pensioner hit a burglar with a poker in the New Forest.

At 1pm on Tuesday, October 29th, two men grabbed an 81-year-old man from behind in the lounge of his home at Martin, near Fordingbridge.  To defend himself, the victim struck one of the robbers in the face with a fire poker.
 
The pair then yanked the poker from the man, causing a deep cut to the victim’s hand.
 
The robbers left after an untidy search, taking cash and the poker.
 
The robbers are described as white men in their thirties who are about 5ft 10ins tall and appear to be fit.  One of them wore a hooded top.
 
Detective Constable Giulio Pizzo is leading the investigation.  He said:
 
“We are keen to hear from anyone who knows a man who has a very recent injury to his face, consistent with being hit by a poker.  This man bled a lot at the scene of the robbery.  He may have sought medical help in Hampshire or Wiltshire.
 
“We need information from the general public and medical personnel.  This was a callous attack on an elderly man in his home, and the offenders must be found.”
 
Detectives also want to hear from anyone who saw two men, one of them with a bleeding facial injury, driving from the Martin or Fordingbridge area shortly after 1pm Tuesday.
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Pizzo at Lyndhurst CID on 101.