Masked raider shoots 84-year-old man with air gun after South Shields pensioner confronts him with broomstick

The pensioner has been taken to hospital for treatment for a minor chest injury following the attack, which happened in Manet Gardens in Whiteleas, South Shields.

The raider left without any money after using the weapon to fire pellets at the man.

His ordeal happened at 5.30pm today, Tuesday, January 7, with Northumbria Police appealing for help as it launches an investigation into the assault, with a search underway to find the thug.

A force spokesperson said: “At about 5.30pm today we received a report of an intruder inside an address on Manet Gardens in South Shields.

“It was reported that a man wearing a mask had forced entry to the address and demanded money from an 84-year-old man who was alone inside the property.

“The victim has confronted the man with a broomstick at which point the intruder has discharged what is believed to be an air gun and then fled the address empty-handed.

“Emergency services have attended and the victim has been treated for a minor chest injury sustained during the incident.

“Inquiries to locate the person responsible are ongoing and officers in the area this evening to locate him.”

The attacker is described as white, around 6ft tall, wearing dark clothing and a mask.

Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area this afternoon, or has information that can assist police, is asked to call 101 quoting log 841 07/01/20.