AN ELDERLY man was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when he was bound with electrical flex during a robbery at his Kent home.

Two men forced their way into the 77-year-old's property in Cedar Crescent, St Mary's Bay, near New Romney, at around 8pm on Friday.

The raiders demanded the combination to the safe before stealing £8,000 from inside and escaping.

Police say the pair disconnected the telephone line before they left.

The pensioner was left shocked but otherwise unhurt. No weapons were seen or used, according to police.

Det Insp Steve Bridges has urged anyone who may have seen two men acting suspiciously in the area between 6pm and 9pm to come forward.

He said: "I would stress that this was a very unusual incident and not a random attack so people in the area have no need to worry."

One of the robbers is described as white, aged in his 30s and around 5ft 10in tall. He was muscular and unshaven. His hair was dark, long, unkempt and greasy and he wore dark clothing.

The other offender was also white but younger and smaller-built. He was wearing a grey hooded top.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01303 289180 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.