An elderly pensioner has been attacked in an armed robbery in County Antrim.

The attack happened at the 83-year-old man's home shortly after 1420 BST on Thursday.

A man, armed with a knife, forced his way into the man's home at Drumbeg Court in Lisburn.

After a struggle, the attacker escaped with a sum of money.

'Vicious thug'

The mayor of Lisburn, James Dillon, said it was an appalling incident.

"My reaction is one of disgust that a senior citizen who has worked for society all his life and made his contribution, in his latter years of retirement, should be attacked by obviously a vicious thug," he said.

Police in Lisburn have appealed for information on the attack, in which the man was unhurt, but shocked.

The intruder is described as being in his 40s, of stocky build and was wearing a red anorak and black trousers.