A SIXTY-one-year-old man who had fallen asleep on his settee was rudely awoken by an intruder at about 1.40pm on Christmas Day.

The intruder claimed to be from the gas board and said that the victim owed him money. When the occupant of the house noticed a window had been broken the bogus caller grabbed him by the throat and demanded cash. He left the victim's home with a substantial amount of cash.

The robber is described as white, about 5ft 8in tall with a slim build and scruffy appearance. He was aged 30 to 35 years, spoke with a local accent and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone able to help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Mick Bowes on 0151 777 6064, or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.