A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after a pensioner was attacked at his home.

Police are also seeking another man over the “brutal” incident in Burgess Hill on Monday in which the pensioner was hit on the head with a crowbar and threatened with a handgun.

The 70-year-old victim answered his door in Windmill Drive and was confronted by two young men, police said. One of them hit him over the head with a crowbar, demanding money, while the second pointed a handgun at him.

They both ran away when the pensioner grabbed a kitchen knife, police said. He was with his wife at the time and was taken to hospital for treatment to a cut to his head and to his finger.

It is understood he was not badly injured and is recovering.

The 16-year-old was arrested on Wednesday and bailed until October 29. Police say he is local.

Detective Sergeant Laura Diamond said on Tuesday: “This was a brutal attack. The man opened the door just after 7pm that evening as he thought it was a member of the family and bravely confronted his violent attackers.”

The attackers were described as slim. One was 17-19 years, about 6’ with a dark, swarthy complexion and wearing dark clothing.

The other was shorter and wore lighter clothing.

Crime statistics show there was one robbery reported in nearby Wyvern Way on February 1 this year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting serial 1161 25/8.