A EVESHAM man in his 70s was so shaken after being subjected to a horrific attack in his home that he did not report it to the police until a week later.

The pensioner from Bengeworth, who had a scarf tightened around his neck during the attack on Bank Holiday Monday, was robbed of £30.

He only told police about the incident after his home in The Leys was burgled in a seperate incident last Sunday.

PC Tom Iddon, from Evesham police said: "This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable man and he is shaken up by the experience. The sooner the offender is taken off the streets the safer it will be for everyone."

The attacker is believed to have gained his victim's trust by speaking to him on numerous occasions prior to the robbery on Monday, March 28.

The elderly man eventually invited the offender into his home where the attack took place.

Police are keeping an open mind about whether the burglary on Sunday, April 3, in which a wallet, driving licence and keys were taken, was committed by the same offender who carried out the robbery.

The man the police want to interview is described as white, aged between 35 and 40, 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with dark hair and gaunt features. He was wearing a waist-length dark coat and dark trousers.

Anyone recognising the description or who saw anything suspicious between 4pm and 8pm on Monday, April 28 or on Sunday, April 3 and Monday, April 4 should call police on 08457 444888, quoting 326S/040405.