AN elderly man has fought back against bogus officials after they tried to get in his home.

The 83-year-old, from Stockton, blocked a punch by one man who tried to get into his home and threw a punch back.

The pensioner answered a knock at his door on Saturday, at about 2.20pm, to a man saying he worked for the water company.

The pensioner repeatedly asked for identification, but nothing was produced.

A police spokesman said a second man, waiting in a car, was called over to speak to the occupant.

He said: "He was also asked for identification, but did not produce any. The occupant then asked both men to leave and made his way to the back of his home.

"He was followed by both men, and the second male tried to push past the occupant to try and get into the house.

"The occupant tried to stop him and the stocky man threw a punch, which the resident blocked. He then threw a punch back at the assailant."

The pensioner then managed to get inside his property and lock the door. Both men drove away in a large, light coloured car.

The first man was white, 6ft 1in and slim. He had short, light brown hair and was in his late 20s. He wore a light short-sleeved shirt. The second man was stocky, about 5ft 7in, white, with dark brown untidy hair and wore dark clothing. He was also in his late 20s.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 01642-302226.