Detectives have been left "sickened" following an attack on a pensioner last weekend.

The 81-year-old woke-up at around 5am on Saturday 21st January and disturbed two masked burglars in his home. When he confronted them, the pair attacked the man with a metal bar before escaping.

Despite two badly broken arms, severe shock and cuts and bruises, the man dialled 999 and officers raced to the house on Chaddesley Close in Oldbury. Investigators are now urging local people to get behind their bid to find the man’s attackers.

One of the suspects has been described as a white man, aged in his 30s, 6ft tall with a fit, athletic build. He was wearing a face mask similar to the phantom’s mask in Phantom of the Opera covering his mouth and nose and a dark coat. It is reported he spoke with an Irish accent, but believes it was fake and is in fact local.

The second man is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall with a heavy, strong build. He was wearing light coloured clothing. He also spoke with what the victim believed to be a false Irish accent. Detective Constable Beth Weir, from force CID, said:

"I’ve been left sickened by the sheer level of violence used on this man. We’re working hard to find the two attackers but I really need people to help. I would urge people to think back over the last week and consider if they’ve seen anyone looking out of place or acting suspiciously in the area.

"No matter how insignificant you think that information may be, please pick up the phone."

A quantity of cash and a mobile phone was taken. The pensioner underwent emergency treatment following the attack and is continuing to recover in hospital. 

Forensics have attended and house to house inquiries are being carried out along with a trawl of CCTV cameras in the area.

Anyone with information should call DC Weir on 101. People who don’t want to speak of officers directly can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.