A BUSINESSMAN who was attacked and robbed in his home fought back to stop a late-night intruder escaping with a large amount of cash.

Despite suffering head wounds after being hit with a bottle, the 57-year-old Middlesbrough man chased his attacker from his home on The Avenue, Linthorpe, and flagged down a taxi for help.

Three Asian men, the driver and two friends, jumped out and joined in the chase and managed to detain the man long enough to recover most of the money.

"The businessman was attacked shortly after he answered a knock at his door and told the caller to go away. The man smashed his way inside," said Detective Inspector Derek Carter, of Middlesbrough CID.

"It was a nasty incident and once inside the intruder used a bottle to threaten and hit the man on the head," he said.

"Despite that he managed to fight back and with the help of the Asian men, the tables were turned."

Police were on the scene within minutes of receiving an anonymous call just after midnight yesterday and carried out a detailed search of the area.

They found more cash and arrested two men, who were yesterday being questioned at Middlesbrough police station.

Det Insp Carter said: "The businessman showed great courage when faced with an armed man in his home.

"The Asian men also acted with great courage and community spirit by helping a man in need and taking such prompt action."

"It shows that community spirit in Middlesbrough is alive and well and that should be applauded."

Det Insp Derek Carter is anxious to speak to anyone who was in The Avenue or Eastbourne Road area at the time of the robbery, especially the person who made an anonymous call to the police and witnessed the events.

He said: "Although it was about 12.30pm there may well have been a number of people who were in the area and we need to speak to them, particularly if they saw people acting suspiciously."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 303126.