A £1,000 reward is on offer to help catch an intruder who attacked a 78-year-old pensioner as she opened the door.

Property tycoon Fergus Wilson, 65, offered the cash after reading in the Kent Messenger how the burglar pushed his way into the woman’s home in Campbell Road and broke her nose before demanding money.

Mr Wilson from Boughton Monchelsea said: “I’m doing the appeal because somebody has to do something with all these old people being attacked, so I’m making a stand.

“I was extremely angry when I read about it.

“I realise many people sympathise with this lady that are not able to give this reward.

"As I am in the fortunate position of being able to afford it I want people to know that every time something like this happens I will be doing this, and rewarding information given.

“It has got to stop.

“The fact that nothing seems to have been stolen doesn’t make a difference. This woman shouldn’t have to spend her years being scared of knocks at her door or spend her time looking over her shoulder.

“By offering this reward I’m hoping someone who knows this person might come forward and help get a conviction.“

"This woman shouldn’t have to spend her years being scared of knocks at her door or spend her time looking over her shoulder" - Fergus Wilson

It is not the first time Mr Wilson has pledged his own money to catch criminals preying on the elderly.

Last week he put up a £1,000 reward to try and bring justice to the masked robbers who left a couple in hospital following a violent raid. They stole a Rolex watch, diamond and ruby ring and Krugerrand gold coins.

In 2011 he offered £10,000 to catch thugs who broke down the door of Staplehurst pensioner, Jean Thomas, and pinned her down before repeatedly punching her in the face.

None of his efforts have been successful so far, but Mr Wilson says he hopes the rewards will deter other criminals for carrying out such acts.

The reward is offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

The suspect is said to be 5ft, in his 20s, and was wearing dark clothing and a hoody.

If you can help, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.