A pensioner was in hospital today after he was brutally beaten during a robbery at his home.

The 73-year-old suffered head wounds, including what detectives described as a "severe eye injury", in the attack at a block of flats in Aspley Villas, Manningham, Bradford, last night.

The robber, a stocky or fat Asian man in his 30s, stole several low value items from the victim's flat.

Detective Inspector Shaun Berry, who is leading the investigation, said it was thought that the robber had sneaked into the flats through an insecure door, but it was unclear what then happened as the victim was not yet well enough to speak to officers.

The pensioner, who is being treated at Bradford Royal Infirmary, was found in a communal area of the flats at about 6.15pm yesterday.

The robber was 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, with a round face and wore dark clothing with a jacket hood up.

"There are many elderly people living in that area and we are very concerned about this," said Det Insp Berry.

"This was a nasty attack in which the victim suffered two head injuries. It is always particularly dangerous when someone of that age is hurt in this way."

Anyone with information about the robbery should contact Bradford North CID on (01274) 376259 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.