DETECTIVES are hunting violent robbers who forced their way into the home of an 85-year-old man and grabbed his neck before stealing his wallet.The men burst into the man's home in London Road, Ipswich, knocking him backwards to the floor.

By Danielle Nuttall

DETECTIVES are hunting violent robbers who forced their way into the home of an 85-year-old man and grabbed his neck before stealing his wallet.

The men burst into the man's home in London Road, Ipswich, knocking him backwards to the floor.

They grabbed his neck and began searching his pockets before making off with his wallet.

The incident happened between 7.20pm and 7.35pm on Saturday .

Police were alerted to the scene after receiving a call from the man's next door neighbour.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Ipswich police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery against an 85-year-old man.

“Between 7.20pm and 7.35pm on Saturday two people called at an address of the elderly gentleman living in London Road, Ipswich.

“The man went to the door and the force of the door opening knocked him backwards to the floor.

“The two people grabbed the man around the neck and searched his pockets before taking off with his wallet. Police were called to the address by the gentleman's next door neighbour.”

Detective Sergeant Euan Macgregor, of Ipswich police, said: “This is a particularly nasty incident where the elderly gentleman has been left very shaken by his ordeal.

“Officers are working with the man to gain a clear picture of what happened.

“We hope that someone may have seen the two people near to the man's house which is at the town end of London Road. Their call could help us with our investigation.”

One of the men is described as white, 5ft8ins tall, wearing dark clothing, gloves and a balaclava.

Police said there is no description of the second offender at this stage.

Anyone with information on the incident should call Sarah Shrubshall at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.