TWO Ludlow pensioners this week relived the horrifying ordeals of being attacked and robbed in their own homes.

Bert Evans, 82, of Churchill Close and Alwynne Tommey, 70, of Caynham Road, Clee Hill, both told a packed press conference that they were left in fear of their lives by a male intruder.

Mrs Tommey had her purse stolen and was pushed to the floor in the robbery at her home on December 29. Mr Evans had £660 stolen and was threatened by the burglar at his pensioner's bungalow on December 10.

Incident room

A team of 15 police officers, headed by Detective-inspector Pete Clarke, is working from a special incident room at Ludlow. They are also investigating a third attack on an elderly woman who broke her leg in two places when she was pushed to the ground by an intruder at her home in Kennet Bank.

Mr Evans, a retired electrician, said he was watching television when the man walked in.

"I said to him, 'What the hell do you think you're doing here' and he said, 'I want your money'.

"I didn't give him cause to manhandle me. I learned later that he had picked up my kitchen scissors," said Mr Evans, who is registered disabled, "I hope they catch him. If they do I'll thrash him."

Mrs Tommey said she didn't think she was going to live through the burglary. "He kept saying 'Don't move'. I've lived in the house for 45 years and I've never been so frightened in my life. I can't stay there on my own but I won't let them beat me," she added.

Detective-inspector Clarke said the description of the man was similar in all three attacks. He is white, aged 25-35, about six-ft tall and of fat or stocky build.

The detective inspector said the man was "getting more confrontational" with each attack and had to be caught. So far no one had come forward with sightings of the man at any of the Ludlow locations and police believe someone must have seen something unusual.

"We are asking people to cast their minds back and if they saw or heard anything unusual they should please get in touch with us," added the inspector.

Police in urgent appeal for witnesses

DID you see any suspicious strangers or cars in the following Ludlow streets at these times and dates? The police urgently need your help.

Wednesday, December 10, 8pm in Churchill Close: Bert Evans, 82, robbed of £660.

Monday December 22, 6pm - 6.45pm at Kennet Bank: woman pensioner, 81, pushed to ground and breaks leg in two places. Purse containing £70 stolen.

Monday, December 29, 6.15pm in Caynham Road, Clee Hill: Alwynne Tommey, 70, pushed to ground and robbed of £20.

If you saw anything untoward, please call the incident room on 08457 444888.