A PENSIONER fought back tears as she relived the moment a thief threatened to kill her with a knife for just £5.

Sheila Walton, 69, was at her home in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough when the incident happened on Friday.

A male caller came to her door, and using the doorchain Mrs Walton refused to let him in. However, he then produced the weapon and thrust it at her throat.

Miss Walton said: "What other choice did I have but to open the door when I was faced with a knife.

"He told me I would not be hurt as he only wanted £10, but I only had £5 on me.

"He wasn't happy with that and kept insisting £10. He made me sit on the couch why he went to search the rest of the house.

"He told me if I dared to call the police he would kill me and my cat. I was absolutely terrified."

Unable to find a further £5, the man then frisked Miss Walton before leaving with personal items including her telephone so she could not contact the police immediately.

She said: "He came up to me and took off my glasses and broke them. He then made me put my arms out and felt underneath them and around my body for more money.

"I was so scared I did not know what he was going to do. When he went I just sat in the quiet too afraid to do anything in case he was still there."

Miss Walton eventually went around to her friend's house where she contacted the police.

Since her ordeal she has suffered panic attacks and is too afraid to return home or go out on her own.

She said: "He has robbed me of my confidence and I have no interest in anything anymore.

"I am determined he will not do this to someone else and am appealing for other pensioners to be on their guard."

The man is described as being in his early twenties, white, around 5ft 11ins tall and thin build.

He was wearing a white peaked cap and white trousers, blue fleece and navy gloves. He may also have been wearing a black scarf covering half his face.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Gerry Ironside on (01642) 326326.