AN ELDERLY York man spoke today of the terrifying moment when two men burst into his home and ripped pension money from his trouser pocket.

The 73-year-old pensioner, who was too frightened to be named, suffered a broken rib in the attack at his property in Beech Avenue, Holgate.

Now he is warning other pensioners to ensure their homes are better secured.

"Obviously I should have kept my back door locked," he said.

"One of the men was a maniac. He came straight in and started going through my coat pocket. My wife put up a fight, which was more than I could do. She tore one of their shirts."

The pensioner, who suffers from claustrophobia, was pinned to his seat by one of the men while the other ripped off his trouser pocket to get the cash.

"They broke one of my ribs in the struggle," he said. "I'm still in a lot of pain. I managed to stick my leg out and trip them up when they were walking out. They left behind a shoe and a small amount of cannabis."

Holgate councillor Liz Edge put the couple in touch with Help The Aged, whose volunteers have cut back the man's hedge to make the property more visible. Victim Support are also looking into providing them with security lighting.

Police said both men were white. The first was in his early 20s, tall and of slim build. The second was short and stocky.

"My advice is for elderly people to keep their doors locked," the pensioner said.

"I don't like the idea at all, but that is the reality. I was very lucky not to get my face bashed in. I've just got to get on with my life now."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to phone the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:25 Tuesday, March 25, 2003