A pensioner has spoken of how he attempted to fight off an attacker who broke into his north Belfast home and battered him in his bed.
Tommy Crawford, who suffers from multiple health problems, was punched around the head by the man who entered his house in Ardoyne in the early hours of Tuesday before demanding cash.
The frail 71-year-old said he tried to fight back but the robber pulled a knife and threatened to "cut his throat" before making him go downstairs and hand over money.
Mr Crawford said he believes his attacker to be local and that the robbery was well planned. The man used a ladder to climb over a yard wall and gain access to the house through the back door.
The victim, who is on a waiting list for a hernia operation and takes blood-thinning medication, was treated overnight in the Mater Hospital for his injuries.
"I'd gone to bed early on Monday night with my wee dog. I woke up when the dog started barking and the next thing the bedroom door just busted open and I saw this dark shadow-like figure," he said.
"I thought I was dreaming at first but then I just felt a punch me on the side of my head.
"He was shouting 'Give me money or I'll kill you'. I took a swipe at him and he fell into the corner, but when he stood back up he said 'I've a knife and I'll cut your throat, get me money now'."
The robber then marched the terrified pensioner downstairs at knifepoint.
"He got £120 but he was shouting 'That's not enough, I need £1,000.' I told him I don't have that kind of money."
The man ran off after spending almost half an hour in the pensioner's home.
SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said the attack on the popular Ardoyne man was "cowardly" and had shocked people.
"Tommy is a local character in Ardoyne and is well known. He has played a huge part in the community for many years through his love for music and has raised large amounts of money for charity."
A police spokesman said: "Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a burglary at a house in the Ladbrook Drive area of Belfast.
"The male struck the elderly man a number of times to his face and head. The male made off on foot with a sum of money in the direction of Highbury Gardens."
