A 72-year-old Bradford man was terrorised in his own bed by a masked axeman who broke in and demanded cash.

The terrified pensioner was confronted by the intruder who threatened him with the axe and ordered him to hand over money and his car keys.

The man had been lying in bed watching TV last night when the robber broke into his home on Allerton Road.

The plucky pensioner at first refused the thug’s demands but the man – who was masking his face with a scarf – hit him with the blunt end of the weapon.

The intruder, who spoke with a local Asian accent, had forced his way into the house through its patio doors, police said.

After he had hit the man, the burglar took a wallet containing cash and bank cards from a bedside table.

He continued to threaten the man, warning him not to get out of bed, before fleeing the house.

The intruder was described as being Asian, in his late 20s, 5ft 7 to 5ft 8in and of medium build.

He was wearing a dark-coloured scarf around his face, a dark bomber jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Steve Snow, of Bradford South CID, said: “The victim is extremely shocked and traumatised by this incident. This was a despicable and cowardly attack on an elderly gentlemen when he was home alone.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the attack who may have seen anyone fitting this description to come forward and let us know.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 11.30pm yesterday, should contact Det Insp Snow on (01274) 376532.