A 90-YEAR-OLD former prisoner of war bravely fought off a robber at his home in Bridge, near Canterbury.

Bill Rose feared for his life as he battled with the screwdriver-wielding burglar on his bedroom floor.

Mr Rose, who survived three-and-a-half years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp, said: "Once he had got me on the floor I was intent on getting the screwdriver from him. I wasn't going to have that stuck in me.

"He was trying to reach my wallet in the back pocket and ripped my trousers in getting it." The incident has left Mr Rose badly shaken with aching ribs, an injured elbow and a stiff neck.

He had returned home to be confronted by a man who said he was a security guard called to his house after a burglary. But he sensed something was wrong and was about to call the police when the intruder knocked him to the ground.

The robber escaped with Mr Rose's wallet, which contained nearly £500. Police believe Mr Rose may be the fourth victim of one man who went on a burgling spree of homes of elderly people in Upstreet, Canterbury, Sturry and Bridge the same evening.

The burglar is believed to be white, aged between 20 and 25 and about 5ft 8in-5ft 10in. He was wearing dark clothing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Insp Martin Lyddon on 01227 762055.