AN elderly man was threatened and punched by masked robbers in his own home.

The 81-year old is extremely shocked after being left with facial injuries and tied up late on Thursday night. Four masked robbers entered the man's home, in Station Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire and demanded money.

North Yorkshire Police are keen to speak to people who saw the attack, on a man described by Detective Sergeant Peter Walker as "an old style countryman - quite, decent and trusting".

The incident took place at about 10.45pm when the victim, who lives alone, was at his back door. The robbers, one carrying a piece of timber, bundled him back into his house.

A police spokesman said: "They threatened the old man and pushed him around, demanded to know where his money was. He gave them a small amount, telling them this was all he had. However, the intruders persisted, pushing and jostling the old gentleman, eventually punching him in the face."

The man was forced to tell them where more money was hidden before he was tied by the legs, blood streaming down his face.

The man freed himself and alerted a neighbour around 45 minutes later. He was taken to the Friarage hospital in Northallerton.

Det Sgt Walker said: "This is a dreadful crime and we want the men responsible behind bars as soon as possible.

"Brutal behaviour like this is so rare in rural North Yorkshire that it is doubly shocking when it does happen. I know all honest people will want these men stopped before they find another defenceless elderly victim."

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in Station Road between 10.30pm and midnight on Thursday.

A police dog followed a trail to the car park of the nearby Red House pub and it is possible that the intruders had parked a vehicle there.

Anyone with information is asked to contact to call Northallerton CID on (01609) 789453