13 April 2012 Last updated at 10:11 ET

Police praise Leigh pensioner who beat off home raiders

A 70-year-old man who fought off two intruders who broke into his house has been praised for his bravery by Greater Manchester Police.

The householder hit one of the men several times on the head after the pair demanded his house keys.

PC Sophie Roberts said the man "thought nothing of his own safety and bravely fought them off."

The men fled empty handed from the house in New Barn Lane, Leigh, following Sunday's raid.

They had smashed through the window to confront the householder.

The householder cut his hand on broken glass as he grabbed one of the intruders round the legs in an attempt to stop him escaping. He needed stitches to the wound.

PC Roberts added: "Thankfully nothing was stolen but his determination not to let them get away has resulted in him suffering a hand injury and I want anyone with information about whoever might be responsible to contact me before they can try this again."