A WAR HERO fought off a robber who conned his way into his home and attacked him.

The 92-year-old who flew with Bomber Command in the Second World War, was attacked after confronting the thief who he found ransacking his home.

The crook was holding a toddler's hand when he knocked on the man's door in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough and asked to use the toilet.

When inside, he went into the bedrooms and looked through all the drawers and cupboards before going into the kitchen saying he would make a cup of tea.

The pensioner confronted him and was dragged across the sitting room floor and into the passageway, the attacker only releasing his grip and fleeing when the pensioner managed to punch him in the face. The crook stole £90 in cash and a wallet containing old photographs of his late wife and his children.

Detective Constable Vas Khan, of Cleveland Police, said: "This was an appalling incident which only ended when the elderly chap lashed out and hit this thief in the face.

"People are incensed by this callous and cowardly attack. It would appear he (the victim) was deliberately targeted and we would like the help of the public in tracing the peron responsible.''

The thief was smart looking, about 5ft 10in to 6ft and aged between 25 and 30 years. He called at the old man's home at about 7pm on Wednesday.

Anyone who can help the police is asked to ring (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.