Police are appealing for information after a Dudley pensioner was robbed in his own home on New Year’s Eve.

The 79-year-old man was woken by noises in the back garden of his house in Maple Road, Wren’s Nest, just before midnight on 31st December. He went downstairs and opened the back door to investigate and was then grabbed by two masked men who pushed him back inside the house.

One of the offenders held him in the corner of the living room and tied his hands behind his back while the second searched the house for valuables. Once the search was completed they released him and fled the property.

A gold coloured World War One medal was taken in the robbery. It is described as round with a horse on it and the words John Cotton inscribed around the edge. A bundle of £50 notes that are no longer legal tender were also taken.

The first suspect was a white man, around 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall, who was slim but quite well built. He was in his mid-20s and was wearing a hat and mask. The second suspect was also a white man, around 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build and wearing a hat and mask.

The incident left the homeowner shaken and officers are carrying out thorough investigations. Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting crime number 20DY/383WF/17 or email DC Gareth Homer at Dudley Police on g.homer@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.