THESE are the faces of burglars who held a pensioner in a head-lock as they ransacked his home.

The two thugs were part of a gang of three who raided the home of 71-year-old Alfred Hughes on Monday.

Posing as council workers, the gang robbed Mr Hughes of his £420 savings during the raid at his house in Derby Close, Thornaby, Teesside.

When he realised he was being burgled he bolted for the front door in an attempt to raise the alarm with neighbours.

But they grabbed him before he reached the door and held him in a head-lock, wrestling him to the ground, while they searched the house.

Mr Hughes was left with hip and leg injuries and is still shocked and angry after his ordeal.

Readers have been so moved by his plight that police have received several messages of support and pledges of money from members of the public.

His attackers all had local accents. The first man is described as 20 to 23, of large build, 5ft 7in, with a plump face and clean shaven.

The second is aged between 18 and 20, slim, about 5ft 8in, with short fair hair and a pointed nose. The third is also aged between 18 and 20, of medium build, 5ft 7in, with dark hair and stubble.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Jason Morris, at Thornaby police station, on (01642) 302226.