A ROBBER pointed a knife in the face of a terminally ill man in the victim's home to demand money.

Police said the 61-year-old victim was extremely distressed and frightened after the attack on Friday.

He answered the door at his home in Thornaby, near Stockton, at about 1pm, and was confronted by a man with a tattoo on the front of his neck who said he was his window-cleaner.

The bogus window-cleaner asked if he could use the toilet and entered the house.

Once inside, the thief went to the kitchen and made himself a cup of tea.

He took a knife from the kitchen, made his way to the living room, pointed the knife in the man's face and demanded money. Eventually he made off with a small amount of cash.

The robber was in his late 30s and had short, dark hair. He spoke with a local accent and wore a black bomber jacket, black trousers and a yellow T-shirt with lettering.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Constable Tony Marron, of Stockton CID, on (01642) 302226,