A MAN has been arrested in connection with the robbery of a pensioner in Brierfield.

A 65-year-old man was attacked at his home in Timber Street at around 7.40pm on Saturday.

The victim was punched in the face and had his wallet stolen in what Lancashire police called ‘a horrific crime’.

The arrested man, a 36-year-old from Brierfield, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police said the victim was confronted by a man at the back door of his home after visiting a nearby shop.

The pensioner, who did not recognise the man, tried to shut the door but the offender forced his way into the house.

The victim was then punched the face and the robber made demands for money. He took a wallet from the victim’s jacket pocket and left the house.

DC Haydn Sibley, of Pennine CID, said: “This is a horrific crime in which a man has been targeted in his own home.

“Fortunately, he was not seriously injured but he was clearly left very shaken by his ordeal and so I would urge anybody that saw anything suspicious in the area on Saturday evening, particularly around the Colne Road area, to contact us as soon as possible.”

The offender is Asian, around 5ft 10, of medium build, and was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, dark trousers and black woollen gloves.

A Lancashire police spokeswoman said the incident was not being treated as racially motivated.

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact Lancashire police on 101.