A 93-year-old man watched helplessly as burglars ransacked his home last night.

Two thieves smashed a back door at his home in Springett Avenue, Ringmer, shortly after 8pm.

The men, both dressed in white, told the pensioner they were police officers and made an untidy search of his bedroom. They fled empty-handed.

Neighbours raised the alarm and police raced to the scene but there was no sign of the offenders.

Both were in their thirties, about 5ft 6in tall and of medium build.

Police said the victim was confused and badly shaken by the ordeal.