AN elderly couple have been left badly shaken after burglars targeted them in their own home.

Two men forced their way into a property on Rissington Walk in Thornaby at around 9.45pm on Monday night.

One of the men trapped the 89-year-old man in the living room while another ransacked the bedroom where the victim's 88-year-old wife was at the time.

The woman suffered a dislocated finger as one of the men grabbed hold of her.

The suspects made off with £320 in cash and two cordless telephones.

The first suspect is described as a white male, aged in his twenties, well build, with a fair complexion and was wearing a navy blue woollen hat with a pom pom, a black scarf covering his mouth and dark clothing including dark gloves.

The second suspect is described as a white male, aged in his twenties, around 5ft 8in tall with short, black hair, well built, fair complexion, clean shaven and wearing a navy blue anorak.

Detective Constable Shaun Jackson, from Stockton Operational Crime Team, said: “This has been traumatic for the elderly couple involved and they are left shaken and being comforted by family members.

“I believe that those responsible for this incident may have targeted the couple due to their vulnerability. This could have happened to anyone’s grandparents. It’s unacceptable and we are doing everything possible to find those responsible.

“I would ask that anyone with information comes forward to speak with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Jackson from Stockton Operational Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org