Three hooded men have left an 81-year-old man shocked and traumatised after pinning him to his bed while they stole money and his late wife’s jewellery.

The robbery has prompted disgust within the village of Colney Heath, where the attack occurred in Tollgate Road just before 11pm last Wednesday (7).

As it was late at night, the elderly man had been in his bed on the first floor when the three robbers broke into his home.

A spokeswoman for Herts Police said the men, believed to be aged in their 20s, “entered the victim’s house through the front door, between 10.50 and 11pm and the victim shouted down at them. Two ran upstairs, and one pushed the victim, forcing him to sit on the bed.”

The elderly man was held down by his wrists while two of the robbers ransacked the place, taking items before leaving the premises in an unknown direction, through the damaged front door.

They are described as white men, all of whom were wearing hooded tops, trousers and trainers. One was wearing a black scarf over his mouth.

The terrifying attack has angered local councillor Chris Brazier, who said: “This has left [the victim] shaken and I’m concerned about his health.”

Cllr Brazier said the 81-year-old villager was going to bed when he heard someone at the front door, and assumed it was his son visiting.

But, he added, “the door burst open and these youths ran upstairs and pinned him to the bed. They ransacked the house, stole jewellery, money and his watch.

“They didn’t harm him - but he couldn’t struggle very much. I have spoken to him to make sure he is OK.

“He is shaken up and hasn’t been sleeping very well since Wednesday night. The police have been to see him every day, and forensics have been there.

“He said they had hoods pulled down over their faces and were wearing scarves.

“One of them had him pinned to the bed while the others went through the house. He lost his wife’s jewellery – she passed away a few years ago.

“Obviously I’m concerned that this sort of crime was carried out in a peaceful, rural area. I’m concerned as an elderly person has been targeted and lost his personal property, and been left badly shaken. I’m concerned about his health.”

Cllr Brazier said if anyone had any information to please phone Herts Police on non emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org