A pensioner was grabbed around the neck and threatened with an iron bar at the home she shares with her husband near Wisbech.The 72-year-old woman from Guyhirn was watching television at about 11am on Tuesday (June 12) when she heard a door open.

A pensioner was grabbed around the neck and threatened with an iron bar at the home she shares with her husband near Wisbech.

The 72-year-old woman from Guyhirn was watching television at about 11am on Tuesday (June 12) when she heard a door open. She assumed it was her husband until she was grabbed from behind.

Her attacker hooked one arm around her neck and placed a hand over her mouth. Another man then threatened the woman with an iron bar while a third searched through her belongings. The men eventually fled empty-handed.

The woman's husband, who is also in his 70s, was asleep upstairs at the time of the break-in.

Detective Sergeant Dave York, who is investigating, said: "Despite her obvious terror, this woman bravely fought through her ordeal, even managing to pull down a scarf covering one of the men's faces so she could see what he looked like.

"I would now urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Guyhirn area on Tuesday to come forward and speak to police.

"These men, who were willing to forcibly restrain an elderly woman, do not deserve protection from family or friends. If you know who they are, please tell us. You can speak to officers in confidence and do not have to give your name.

"I am also keen to speak to anyone who saw a silver or grey coloured BMW 5 series in the Guyhirn area that evening."

The men are described as wearing dark coloured clothing and balaclavas or scarves over their faces.