WOODBRIDGE CID are appealing for information after a man holding a knife tried to force this way into the home of an elderly couple early today.The couple, who live in Bullards Lane, were woken by their doorbell at 1.

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By JESSICA NICHOLLS

Jessica.nicholls@ecng.co.uk

A WOODBRIDGE pensioner fought off a knife-wielding burglar who tried to storm into his home early today.

The 69-year-old man, who lives in Bullards Lane with his wife, was woken by their doorbell being rung at 1.25am.

When the pensioner went to answer it he found a man with a knife standing on the doorstep.

The offender then tried to enter the house but the resident forced him back and closed the door.

The couple then alerted police, who conducted an air and ground search of the area, but the offender, who is described as white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall and was wearing a full face balaclava and dark clothing, was not located.

Acting Detective Sergeant Trevor Prior appealed for anyone with information to come forward, and advised residents to contact police if they had any doubts as to a caller's identity.

"We would ask anyone who was in the area in the early hours of this morning, or who may have other information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who may have seen anything which could have been discarded by the offender, such as an item of clothing.

"We will be stepping up our presence in the area and would advise anyone receiving an unexpected call late at night not to open the door without checking who is there first.

"If there is any doubt, please telephone police immediately by calling 999".

Many neighbours of the shocked couple were awoken by the Suffolk Police helicopter around 2am.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "Woodbridge is hardly a hotbed of crime. I would be very suspicious of answering the door at that time in the morning."

Another said he and his wife were woken up at 2am by the noise from the helicopter.

"This kind of thing makes you feel very uncomfortable," he said. "We do keep everywhere locked up and we are very conscious in that respect. But that doesn't seem to be a deterrent these days."

Anyone who can help should telephone Woodbridge CID on 01473 383460 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.