Witnesses are sought following a savage attack on an elderly man at an address off Stedman Road in Bournemouth.

At around 6.50pm on Sunday 9 January, two men wearing masks and gloves walked through an insecure front door of the victim’s home. One of the suspects was said to be armed with a knife and he demanded drugs and money from the elderly occupant.

A neighbour, who heard the disturbance and entered the flat to find out what was happening, was pinned against a wall, and threatened with the knife by one of the suspects.

The elderly victim was then punched four times to the chest, before he began to suffer a panic attack. The suspects then left the address.

The suspects are described as Asian, aged in their 20s, had London accents and wore black clothing.

Detective constable Katie Hetherington, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A full investigation is underway into this incident, and we do not know at this time why this address was specifically targeted.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Stedman Road at the relevant time and heard or saw something suspicious to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask residents and motorists to please check their home CCTV and dashcam for any footage and get in touch if they have anything that may assist our enquiries.

“I understand this incident will cause concern among local residents and I would like to reassure them that officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are aware and will be continuing with their patrols.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220004118. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.