A pensioner was beaten unconscious after he confronted a burglar in his own home.

Police are hunting for the intruder, who fled empty-handed, after the 79-year-old man suffered a cut head, bruising to both arms and hands, chest, back and rib injuries and a black eye.

He came to on the floor at the foot of his stairs in Sutton Road, Southend, to find blood pouring from a cut in his head. He was able to dial 999 and was taken to Southend Hospital. He was released later that day after treatment.

Det Con Kevin Harman of Southend CID, who is leading the investigation into the brutal attack, said: "This was a despicable attack on an old man and it is vital that the person who did it is caught."

A police spokesman said the pensioner had left his front door slightly ajar that afternoon because he was expecting a friend to visit.

But at about 2.15pm he saw the intruder from the top of his stairs.

The spokesman said: "The next thing he remembered was coming round at the foot of the stairs with blood pouring from his head.

"He was dazed but he managed to telephone for an ambulance and was taken to Southend Hospital."

The attack happened last Tuesday afternoon but only came to light when the pensioner told of his ordeal to a relative who visited him on Saturday.

The only description of the attacker is that he was white and had brown hair.

Police have appealed for witnesses, saying they believe the attacker could have been bloodstained after the assault.

Anyone with information should call Southend CID on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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