A pensioner has been forced to move out of his home after he was violently attacked by masked burglars.

Edwin Cross, who is in his 70s, was kicked while he lay on the floor in fear as two intruders ransacked his house.

Several possessions, including sentimental watches, were stolen from inside the home in Park Road, Ramsgate.

Police have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to.

Mr Cross told the BBC's Crimewatch Live he heard a noise at the back door shortly before the burglary at about 9.10pm on Friday, July 30.

"I knew something was wrong because my daughters always phone me if they’re coming round," he said.

"I jumped up, went to the kitchen, looked out the back window and the next thing I knew, the bloke was kicking my door in."

A man forced his way in and pushed Edwin out of the way before letting a second man in through the front of the house.

Both intruders started a "sustained and vicious attack" on the pensioner, according to the programme.

"All they kept on saying was, ‘where’s your money?’ and I kept on saying to them, ‘I ain’t got none’," he added.

"I just didn’t know what to do so I just lay there and took it. I was safer on the floor because they might have really given me a kick in if I had got up."

The two thieves ransacked the home, searching for money.

"We couldn’t understand why they made such a mess," Mr Cross said.

"My settee was turned upside down, all my medication was spread across the floor and it looked like they jumped on the boxes. It just looked like rage because they couldn’t find money."

This was the second time Mr Cross' home had been targeted. Thieves previously stole £9,500 during a burglary.

During the latest incident, sentimental pieces of jewellery - including about 20 watches - and £40 from his wallet was snatched.

But the impact of the burglary has left Mr Cross so frightened he has decided to move and forced him to rehome his bird aviary which he kept in his garden.

"I loved it here, I really did. I felt safe leaving my door open," he added.

"Any time after 6pm, I have to lock up and the sun is shining. That’s no life now.

"I like to be out in the garden until late at night but I’m frightened now. I’ve got to leave because I’ve been chased out."

Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to.

Investigators believe the men in the CCTV images will be able to help officers investigate the break-in, which happened at about 9.10pm on Friday, July 30.

Anyone who recognises the men is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/136550/21, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.

Watch the full episode of Crimewatch Live here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

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