WATCH: Appeal to find thugs who threatened former prisoner of war during burglary
A quilt was held over the face of a former prisoner of war during a terrifying burglary at his home.
CCTV captured the moment callous thugs broke into the garden of the 96-year-old man's house.
Once they burst inside the house, the pair threatened him in the front room, where he was watching TV, and demanded money.
One of them searched through his home stealing jewellery, watches and cash.
Meanwhile the other pinned the elderly man down and shoved a quilt over his mouth to stop him from making any noise.
Speaking to officers after the ordeal, he said: "I was a prisoner of war in 1943 and believed I was going to be shot, but I was not as afraid then as I now feel in my own home."
WATCH: Can you identify these burglars to help police?
Detectives are urging the public to help trace two men after the shocking attack in Birmingham.
The man had shouted for help after the attack last Saturday morning as the raiders disconnected the phone line and removed his emergency pendant.
Police said he did not initially hear the pair break into his home in Yardley at around 2am.
Detective Constable Laura Halpin, of West Midlands Police, urged those with information to search their conscience and do the right thing.
She said: “This would be an absolutely terrifying ordeal for anyone to endure, let alone a defenceless 96-year-old man inside his own home.
"I have no doubt the local community will be shocked, but please be assured we are determined to catch those responsible.
“I’d ask people who may know who is responsible to think about how frightening this would have been for this man and do the right thing – get in touch with us.
"Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is could be vital to our investigation."
It is understood the pair climbed over a wall in the back garden, and forced entry though a window.
CCTV from a neighbouring property caught them in action - and police have released this to bolster their efforts.
Dc Halpin added: “Our teams are carrying out extensive house to house enquiries, reviewing CCTV in the local area and conducting foot patrols.
"Forensics and other specialist teams have been gathering evidence from the address too, but we need the local community to get on board; share our appeal and contact us with information."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Quote crime number 20BE/38098B/18
