AN 89-YEAR-OLD man underwent a terrifying ordeal when he was robbed at knifepoint while sitting in his own home in Colne.

The man was sitting in the lounge at 8.30pm on Thursday when he was startled by an intruder who was standing in the room clutching a knife.

The intruder threatened the elderly man before snatching his his wallet.

Police believe the robber had forced a kitchen window open at the rear of the detached house, in Red Lane, Colne.

The frail pensioner was said to be very shaken and shocked by the incident, but was uninjured.

Street crime and robbery co-ordinator Brent Fielden said: "The offender forced the rear window, climbed through into the kitchen and searched the room.

"He has then gone into the lounge and confronted an elderly retired man with a knife and threatened him, asking for money.

"He has taken a wallet, containing a quantity of cash, and then ran off before climbing back through the window.

"Detectives are taking this very seriously and scenes of crime officers and dog patrols were at the scene on Thursday night.

"I would appeal for anyone who was in the area and noticed anything suspicious to contact me."

The offender is described as aged 23 to 25, 5ft 9ins and of slight build with short, dark, neat hair. He wore a dark jacket.

Anyone with information should call Brent Fielden on 01282 472159 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.