A disabled pensioner who has raised thousands of pounds for charity was the victim of what police call “despicable” vandalism twice over the weekend.

Island-born Austin Wiseman, 78, a retired deputy head teacher, was terrified when the vandals struck at his home in Sheerness, in the early hours of both Friday and Saturday.

Both attacks happened around 2.30am and in the first the glass from his back door was smashed and in the second case the door panels were kicked in.

Mr Wiseman, who gave up charity fund-raising two years ago due to ill-health including arthritis and cataracts, said: “It was terrifying.

“I woke up on both nights and was too scared to go downstairs in case they had a knife or a gun.

“I don’t know why anybody would want to target my house. My back wall is about 8ft and the vandal or vandals would have had to climb over it to get to the back door.”

Mr Wiseman, who retired as deputy head of an independent school near Windsor in Berkshire 20 years ago, raised money for several charities through popular football tournaments for children and an annual sponsored fun run at Beachfields Park in Sheerness.

Insp Dave Applegate of the Island Neighbourhood Team, said: “These were despicable acts on a frightened, elderly man in his own home.

“We need anyone to come forward who knows anything about this as soon as possible or who knows those responsible.”

The numbers to ring are Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the Island Neighbourhood Team on 01795 584165.