A FRAIL pensioner who was slashed with a knife and robbed in his own home said today: "I thought I was going to die."

Albert Warner, 78, re-lived the moment he answered the door and was set upon by a knife-wielding caller on Tuesday night.

He was pushed back into the house in Nelson Road, Goring, and slashed with a knife before his wallet, containing hundreds of pounds, was taken.

Albert, a retired coalman, said he is lucky to be alive after the incident and has suffered severe shock.

He added: "I was watching the television at the time and answered the door. This man burst in and pushed me backwards.

"He came after me and shouted at me to find out where the money was. I asked him who he was and what he wanted. He kept saying he wanted money.

Albert, who walks on crutches following a knee operation, pointed to some loose change on the table but the attacker produced a knife.

The pensioner went on: "He said that wasn't enough, so he got my wallet. He held a knife to my throat. I tried to grab it but it cut my hand.

"I was terrified. I cannot believe this has happened in my own home. I think he was on drugs, because his eyes were all bleary.

"He also tore all the phones out of their sockets so I could not call anyone. I cannot believe it."

The attacker fled towards the railway station after the incident, pursued by a neighbour, but escaped.

Albert, who is also arthritic and lives alone, received six stitches to his thumb and was treated for shock at Worthing Hospital.

The incident lasted just a few minutes.

PC Chris Saunders, Sussex Police press officer for Highdown Division, said:"It never ceases to amaze me when I hear of incidents like this.

"I cannot believe people will go this far. All crime is bad, but this is abhorrent."

The attacker is described as in his early twenties, 5ft 9in tall, of slight build, with a pasty complexion.

He was wearing blue trousers, a navy blue waterproof jacket with a hood and a woolly hat with a red band on it.

Police ask anyone with information to call Det Con Tom Keenan on 01903 231821 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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