THIEVES broke into an elderly man's home in the early hours of Christmas Day. 

Two men kicked in the front door of the house in East Street, Selsey, at around 1.30am while the 90-year-old was asleep. 

They stole £320 in cash from his wallet before driving off in a dark blue vehicle.

Around 30 minutes later there was an attempted burglary in Meadows Road, East Wittering.

Two men claiming to be police officers knocked on another elderly man's door while he was asleep in bed.

The 74-year-old answered the door but when he challenged them, asking for proof of identity, one of the men punched a window pane.

They did not get inside and left.  Police think the incidents may be linked and are appealing for any information that may lead to the suspects being arrested.

Detective constable Emma Fields, of the West Sussex priority crime team, said: "Both victims were senior citizens asleep in their own homes.

"These were despicable acts which caused a lot of stress and anxiety at Christmas."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting 89 of December 25.