POLICE are linking a case of aggravated burglary against an elderly Blackwell couple with three others in the West Midlands.

Officers say there are similarities in all four attacks.

The Blackwell couple, a 64-year-old woman and her husband in his 70s who is in poor health, were punched, knocked to the floor and tied up after intruders burst into their home.

The incident happened at 8.30pm on Sunday, September 18.

Police say similar incidents have since been reported within a period of four days at Selly Park and Streetly in Birmingham and at Halesowen.

In each case the two offenders stole bankcards and forced their victims to give them their PIN numbers. The Blackwell couple were also robbed of their grey Peugeot 206, registration X479 BBN. A Toyota Corolla was taken from the house in Streetly.

There was still no news of the whereabouts of the Peugeot as we went to press yesterday (Tuesday).

Acting Detective Inspector Hywel Jones, of West Midlands police, said: "These are despicable attacks on elderly people and it is concerning that the incidents are escalating in violence. The victims are being put through a terrifying ordeal. It is important we catch these men as soon as possible."

The men are white, in their early 20s and have Birmingham accents. DI Jones stressed the need for extreme caution when callers knock on the door, to check identification and to use spy holes and security chains if fitted.