A pub landlord who confronted a pair of masked armed raiders told this week how he feared he would bleed to death following a vicious assault.

Graham Overend, who has been hailed a hero by friends, said he decided to act when he realised a shot fired from a handgun during the raid on the George Hotel, at Cullingworth, was probably a blank.

The 40-year-old was left lying in a pool of blood following the raid at 3.20am on Sunday.

The father-of-one was taken to hospital, where he had three stitches, but was later released after treatment for cuts and bruises to his head, back and legs.

Mr Overend told how two burglars wearing balaclavas burst into the pub's upstairs living quarters after breaking into the building. He said: "They switched the light on and were shouting at me to wake up.

"I said 'come on then' and one lad produced a handgun. It didn't look real but the next minute there was a bang and a flash. I realised it must have been a blank and I jumped off the bed to have a go at him.''

Mr Overend said he wrestled one man to the floor, pulling his balaclava off, before the other hit him on the back of the head with what was thought to have been a chain.

He said: "They carried on kicking and beating me and then tied my wrists and ankles. They wanted the code for the alarm and money from our cash machine. I told them it was almost empty, which it was.''

Mr Overend said the pair then fled empty handed, adding: "There was blood everywhere -- I've never seen so much and I was just terrified I was going to end up bleeding to death. I managed to untie myself, got into our function room, dialled 999 and locked myself in. What I did was just a natural reaction -- I'm not a violent person but I was determined they weren't going to just walk in here and take what they wanted.''

Mr Overend said the cash machine had never contained more than a few hundred pounds and had now been emptied, adding: "We had it installed in January as a service for the community and to get people into the pub, but after this we'll definitely be getting rid of it.''

Meanwhile, a friend of Mr Overend's, Phil Bennett, of Cullingworth, said: "He is a hero for what he did -- it was very brave. I'm pleased he had a go but more pleased that he's all right.''

The men, who are thought to have had an accomplice outside, are white and stocky, one in his 30s and the other in his 20s. Police are appealing for anyone with information to call Keighley CID on 01535 617083.