A WOMAN told today of the terrifying moment her husband was stabbed in the face by an intruder in their home.

A manhunt has been launched around the village of Stillington, near Easingwold, following the attack yesterday morning.

The 69-year-old victim was today recovering at home from a puncture wound made by a knife or screwdriver to his cheek, and serious bruising suffered when he fell down the stairs while struggling with the intruder.

His 65-year-old wife, who asked not to be identified, said he had been "terrifically brave, despite his age".

She said: "My husband was very brave, but he is now bruised and battered, his eye is very swollen and he is extremely shaken. He feels as though he's been playing rugby."

She said: "I got up to collect the newspapers and saw the man standing in the hallway. I said to my husband there's a man upstairs, and he shot out of bed, and then the man went for him with a knife.

"They were struggling at the top of the stairs and fell down, and the man stood up and said: 'I've got a knife and I'm going to get you'."

The intruder, said to be of Mediterranean appearance and in his late 20s or early 30s, then fled the house.

Police believe the man was living rough in the area, and residents have been warned not to approach him.

"He has already assaulted one man, we don't want anyone to put themselves at risk," said Sergeant Ron Allan, officer in charge of the scene.

The incident happened about 8.15am yesterday at Woodburn Cottage in Main Street.

Chief Inspector Ken McIntosh said police recovered three knives, plus burglary equipment and a cane at the back of the house.

He said the fridge had been ransacked.

In another burglary in the village, the fridge was also raided.

"We have been given a lot of information by residents, and think somebody has been living rough in the area who may be responsible for the attack," said Sgt Allan.

A neighbour said: "It's really disturbing. We don't want anything like this going on round here. It's nice here, we don't want this."

Police said the man had a swarthy complexion, was generally unkempt, around 5ft 10in tall and slim. He was wearing a black leather motorbike jacket, dark trousers and light trainers.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, September 15, 2003