HARLOW: Fearless pensioner, 94, attacks burglar

A 94-YEAR-OLD man punched a burglar in the face rather than hand over his cash.

The fearless pensioner, who was preparing to go to bed, attacked the intruder after being confronted and told to hand over money.

The callous crook, thought to be in his mid 20s, then turned an ransacked the bungalow near to the junction of First Avenue and Monkswick Road, Harlow, just after 10.30pm on Thursday January 8.

He deliberately smashed a cherished framed photograph of the victim and his late wife before fleeing empty handed.

Investigating officer Det Con Jay McCreath said: "This burglar should be ashamed of himself as not only was he foiled by a man nearly three times his age, but also that he should stoop to such despicable levels by smashing a photograph of sentimental value.

"We are not only looking for witnesses, maybe other residents who were out and about that Thursday night, but also anyone who may recognise the assailant given the description and bearing in mind he may have a slightly bruised face."

He is described as being white, about 5ft 6ins with long mousey brown hair.

Scenes of crimes officers scoured the property for clues.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Harlow police station on 0300 333 4444.