Widower held down in his bed by burglar

A terrified widower was pinned down in his bed by a hooded burglar while his house was raided in Dudley.

The pensioner, aged 85 and whose first name is William, was sleeping in his downstairs bedroom in Woodsetton, when he awoke to find a boy leaning over him. The burglar, described as white aged 14 to15 and wearing a hood, held the man down.

His teenage accomplice wearing a red cap went through the pockets of the victim's trousers and searched a sideboard, stealing cash and a number of rings including wedding rings.

Detectives say the front door of the house has a coded keypad and because entry was not forced, believe either the thugs knew the code or the door had been left open.

Acting detective chief inspector Richard Jones, from Brierley Hill CID, said the man was very shaken. He said: "He has been targeted by two offenders and what concerns me is the fact they have gone into his bedroom and one has physically held him down. I have spoken to the victim this morning and he is still extremely shocked."

He added: "I would appeal to anyone in the community who has information to come forward and help us catch those responsible." To help call Brierley Hill CID on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.