AN elderly man was robbed by a knife-wielding burglar in his own home.

Now detectives need to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time.

The 89-year-old man was in his house on Crosland Road in Thornton Lodge when they thief walked in through an unlocked door at 1pm yesterday.

He grabbed a knife from the kitchen, cut the phone wires and then threatened the victim with it.

The elderly man was forced to hand cash over and the robber then left.

He is white, aged 45 to 50 and wore a brown woolly hat. He spoke with a local accent.

Insp Bob Davies from Kirklees CID said: “This was despicable offence against an elderly, vulnerable victim in his own home.

“It could be this robber had been to other houses in the area and been turned away.

“We would urge anyone with any information which could help this inquiry to come forward immediately.’’

Contact detectives on 01484 436685 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.