A 79-YEAR-OLD man was struck with a hammer and tied up during a "callous" attack by a burglar at his Waltham Abbey home.o

The man was sitting in a back room at his home in Paradise Road when he heard someone banging at the door just before 7.50pm last Thursday.

He answered the door and came face to face with his attacker, who forced his way in and demanded cash. When the victim said he did not have any, the burglar attacked him with the hammer.

The pensioner tried to fight the intruder as he ransacked the house and stole cash, pension and cheque books, but he was beaten back and then tied up with the flex from a vacuum cleaner.

His attacker fled when a car pulled up outside.

The man had only been loosely tied and was able to free himself and get to a neighbour's house to raise the alarm.

The man suffered cuts to his elbow and hand and bruising and grazes to his shoulder.

He was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, by ambulance where he was kept overnight for observation.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Wayne Norcott, of Epping CID, is appealing for any information.

He said: "This was a particularly callous and cowardly offence committed on an elderly man in his own home. Thankfully, instances such as this are rare."

The robber was of dark complexion, aged about 25, of slim build with short black hair. He was wearing white trousers and a blue top.

Anyone with information should ring DC Norcott at Epping police station on 01992 561212, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. With the latter, information can be given anonymously. Callers, who are given a unique reference code, do not have to give their name and may qualify for a cash reward.

July 18, 2002 08:30