POLICE have this week renewed an appeal for information about an aggravated burglary at a Tavistock pub, which left a 72-year-old man injured.

The licensee of the Market Inn in Whitchurch Road was attacked in his pub in the early hours of August 14.

He woke at around 3.30am and went downstairs to the bar of the pub. As he opened the door to the bar it was wrenched open by the offender on the other side.

The victim, who is limited in his mobility, was pulled to the ground and struck with an iron bar by the offender who demanded money. The victim received significant bruising and injury to his arm as he tried to protect his head and body. The till had been broken into but nothing was taken.

Detectives investigating the aggravated burglary have now renewed an appeal for the information in the hope that the public will come forward.

Detective Constable Jason Bryant said: 'This was a shocking and disturbing incident on an elderly and vulnerable man who is well-regarded in the local community.

'The victim was viciously attacked with a weapon and it is fortunate he managed to protect himself during this distressing and frightening incident.

'The offender showed absolutely no hesitation in using violence and the consequences could have been significantly worse.

'I would ask the public to come forward with any information to help us identify and apprehend this offender. No matter how small, any piece of information could be vital and I would urge the public not to assume that it has already been reported.'

The offender was dressed in dark clothing and believed to have been wearing a balaclava.

Police are appealing for witnesses and to anyone who saw suspicious people nearby in and around the time — the incident was called in at 3.50am — or a suspect vehicle in the vicinity.

Anyone with any information is asked to please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference JT/12/1012.