CALLOUS thugs who beat and robbed an 82-year-old man at his rural home are being hunted by police.

Detectives believe the duo may have previously called at the house, in a County Durham village, on a reconnaisance exercise prior to the Saturday morning attack.

The former soldier, who lives alone in the Cornsay Colliery area of north-west Durham, was subjected to a violent assault in the hallway and kitchen area of his home, at about 7.30am.

He was punched, kicked and threatened with a metal poker until he revealed where they could find money.

Having taken an undisclosed amount, it is thought the duo fled in a vehicle parked in a lay-by close to their victim's home.

Detectives say it was driven to the B6321, Hedley Hill Lane, and from there it may have travelled either to Cornsay Village or to Tow Law.

The victim, who is said to have been traumatised by the ordeal, was treated at Bishop Auckland Hospital for minor facial and hand injuries.

It is thought the assailants, both white and aged about 30, may have been the same men who visited the victim on Friday, at about 3pm, trying to persuade him to sell them a motor vehicle.

One of the pair was 5ft 9in and was wearing dark track suit bottoms with a zig-zag pattern down the legs. His accomplice is said to be shorter, with mousey brown hair.

Detective Inspector Simon Orton, of Derwentside CID, described the attack as "callous" and appealed for help from anyone with information. He is particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a dark blue four-wheel drive vehicle, which was seen in the area on Friday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Consett police station, on (01207) 504204.