Police want help to identify a burglar who stole cash from a vulnerable pensioner in Ross-on-Wye after breaking in while he slept and then confronting him with a knife.

Detectives today (Thursday) released a picture of a man riding a bicycle who they want to trace in connection with the burglary which happened at about 2.30am on Tuesday April 15th in Three Crosses Road.

The victim, an elderly man who is described as vulnerable, was asleep downstairs when he was confronted by a burglar armed with a knife and demanding money.

The offender, who got in after smashing a door panel, ran from the house after the pensioner handed over about £60 and also took a small amount of money which had been left for the milkman.

He is believed to have arrived at the scene on a bicycle from the direction of Brampton Street and headed away from there afterwards.

The burglar was around 5 feet 9 inches in height, skinny and was wearing a ski mask, a hooded top with the hood pulled up, and gloves.

Detective Sergeant Mark Morton of Hereford CID said: "Crimes like this are fortunately rare but targeting an elderly and vulnerable man in his own home is truly despicable. It has left him shocked and although he wasn't actually attacked he did suffer a minor cut to his hand during the incident.

"We need to identify the male on the bike in the CCTV image we have released and I would urge anyone who saw him in that area or has any thoughts on who he might be to come forward and give us that information.

"If anyone knows something about this but has not told us then I would appeal to them to search their conscience and do the right thing by picking up a phone and contacting us immediately.

"We understand that some people may not want to speak to us directly but there is always the option of passing on details anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers."

Officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team are conducting targeted patrols in the area to provide reassurance and house to house inquiries have also been carried out.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call detectives at Hereford Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference 95–S-150414. Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org">www.crimestoppers-uk.org.