A vulnerable pensioner was forced to hand over hundreds of pounds after a “heartless” intruder threatened to stab him in his bed.

The 71-year-old victim, who has health and mobility difficulties, was asleep when the robber broke into his house, in the Fairweather Green area of Bradford by smashing a window.

He woke to find himself being confronted by the intruder, who demanded money and threatened to stab him if he did not comply. No weapon was seen, but the frightened victim, who lives alone, pointed towards a bedroom drawer and the raider helped himself to cash there before fleeing the scene.

Detectives condemned the robber and urged anyone who knows his identity to come forward.

The victim was unable to give a description of the suspect because it was too dark.

Detective Inspector Richard Partis, of Bradford District CID, said yesterday: "This was a heartless attack on a vulnerable member of the community, which has left him very shaken.”

The robbery took place at about 10.30pm last Thursday but the alarm was not raised until 12 hours later when a relative visited the victim, who told them what had happened.

The relative then alerted police by 999.

Police said the pensioner had not raised the alarm earlier because he had not wanted to bother anybody.

He was not injured in the incident but was left badly shaken.

Det Insp Partis said: “The man responsible for this offence needs to be caught, and I am appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around that time, or anyone with any information, to come forward.

“They should contact PC 1482 Exley, at Bradford District CID, on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”