by Helen Fairley

A pensioner was left with a broken nose and horrific cuts and bruises after burglars kicked, punched and threatened him with a knife in his own home.

Detectives are appealing for information after the attack on the 67-year-old at his house in Luckow Road, Paddock Wood at around 2.30am Saturday.

Two men knocked at the front door and when the man opened it, expecting it to be his son, they pushed past him and demanded he hand over money. They kicked and punched him - then threatened him with a knife from his kitchen.

Police described the victim as "extremely brave" after he refused to say if there was money in the house. The burglars failed to find any money and left with the man's cigarettes.

He was kept in at hospital overnight and will require further treatment at hospital in East Grinstead for his injuries.

DC Neil Martin said: "The only reason for this attack that we can think of is that the two men believed there was Christmas Club money kept there."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.