AN 82-year-old man suffered a terrifying ordeal as he watched a thief ransack his home.

Now the Second World War veteran's daughter is urging other elderly residents in Dorset to be on their guard.

The incident happened just before 9pm at the man's flat in Wallisdown when the thief rang through on the intercom system.

The man went down to the door and as he opened it the attacker barged in, pushed the victim aside and began searching the house.

The attacker stole a quantity of cash, a ring and even robbed the man's wallet from his pocket. He is described as being aged between 25 and 30, white and over 6ft tall.

The victim's daughter said: "My dad knows he should have put the chain on and he accepts that - it was just a lapse in concentration.

"My dad said he wasn't scared, just angry. What gets me is that he had just said he didn't want to move out of his flat because he felt safe there.

"It is awful that someone could get away with this. This is just not on. My father fought in the Second World War for us."

The attack happened on August 13, just a week before a similar incident involving a frail 94-year-old widow who was robbed by a gang of three youths in her West Howe home.

Acting Sgt Ray Willmore said: "We would stress to people to be mindful about who you are letting in and please keep your chain on the hook. Don't let strangers into your home - these kind of crimes are happening more and more and it seems to be the elderly who are being targeted."

Witnesses to either incident are asked to call Bournemouth police on 01202 552099 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.