A PENSIONER last night fought back tears as she relived the moment a thief threatened to kill her with a knife for only £5.

Sheila Walton, 69, was at her home in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough on Friday, when a man called at her home

Mrs Walton fastened the security chain and refused to let him in, but he pulled out a knife and thrust it at her throat.

"What other choice did I have but to open the door?" Miss Walton said last night.

"He told me I would not be hurt as he only wanted £10, but I only had £5 on me.

"He kept insisting on £10. He made me sit on the couch while he searched the house.

"He told me if I dared to call the police he would kill me and my cat. I was absolutely terrified."

Unable to find a further £5, the man then frisked Miss Walton before leaving with personal items including her telephone so she could not contact the police immediately.

She said: "He came up to me and took off my glasses and broke them.

"He then made me put my arms out and felt under- neath them and around my body for more money. I was so scared."

Miss Walton eventually went to her friend's house from where she called the police. She is now too afraid to return home. She said: "I am appealing to other pensioners to be on their guard."

The man was in his early twenties, thin, white, and about 5ft 11in.

He was wearing a white peaked cap and white trousers, a blue fleece and navy gloves.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Gerry Ironside on (01642) 326326.