An elderly man was woken by the sound of burglars smashing down his front door early today.

The frail 92-year-old could not stop the two thieves rifling through belongings at his home in Ivy House Lane, Hastings.

After searching the house, the pair fled with their victim's pension money and some cash he was keeping to pay a phone bill.

The elderly man was left badly shaken by the break-in.

The burglars were in their early twenties, short and stockily built.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the 2am raid.

Anyone who saw the men, who first tried to break in through a side door, should call Hastings police on 0845 6070999.