A PENSIONER has had his jaw broken by a bogus policeman.

The victim was given a severe beating when he tried to stop the conman and an accomplice entering his home in Normanby, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of yesterday, said Cleveland Police.

The victim's wife had already found herself involved in a violent struggle with the crooks as they pushed their way into the house, demanding money.

Her husband intervened, only to be put in hospital.

He is being treated in Middlesbrough General Hospital, his wife was not injured, but was left shaken and shocked.

The men made off in a dark coloured car with a handbag containing cash and jewellery.

Just over an hour earlier the duo, again masquerading as police officers, had forced their way into a house in Nunthorpe, demanding money.

They pushed a woman living in the house to the floor and assaulted her husband, who received minor facial injuries.

At another house the pair were foiled when the residents asked to see identification.

Detective Sergeant Dave Turnbull said: "We are treating these incidents very seriously. Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence and these two have targeted vulnerable, elderly couples in their own homes.

"Whilst this type of offence is rare, I would urge anyone visited by people saying they are police, particularly, during the night, to ask for identification if they have any doubts about their claims.''

Police later found a burnt- out car, which may be linked to the incidents, on the A174 Parkway.

The first man was described as 6ft 2in to 6ft 3in tall and thin. He wore navy blue clothing.

The second is between 5ft 6in and 5ft 7in, thin, with cropped hair. He wore a white top and light coloured trousers.