A PENSIONER has paid thanks to his brave neighbour who tackled an apparently armed burglar in his home.

Grandfather Reg Rootes was at a friend’s barbecue when told his house had been broken into.

The 80-year-old discovered his neighbour had confronted the intruder - but unfortunately got hurt in the process.

Mr Rootes said: “My neighbour heard a noise, went round to the back of my house and saw the door was open. He went inside and saw the chap coming down the stairs with a chopper axe.”

But the brave Higham neighbour was allegedly struck over the head with the blunt edge of the foot-long axe as he struggled with the stranger in the hallway.

Mr Rootes added: “I think what he did was very brave. The intruder had the advantage over him. If he didn’t have the axe I don’t think he would have been any opposition.”

Things allegedly went bad to worse for the good samaritan as he called out for help.

According to Reg a man and a woman heard his neighbour’s cries and went into the house.

But instead of helping the injured man the pair allegedly assaulted him, before making their escape with the intruder in a car.

Widower Reg is eternally grateful to his neighbour.

Mr Rootes added: “I feel happy knowing I have neighbours who will help me out. I have a lot of sentimental things which remind me of my wife which he stopped from being taken.”

Reg’s neighbour, who did not want to be named, sustained cuts and bruises to his face but did not require hospital treatment.

A 38-YEAR-OLD appeared at Dartford Magistrates Court on Monday charged with burglary, aggravated taking a vehicle without consent, driving while disqualified, violent disorder and criminal damage.

Monty Scamp, of Waterfield Close, Thamesmead, was remanded in custody until later in the month when he will appear at Maidstone Crown Court.