A RETIRED African barrister was left grappling on the floor with burglars, after trying to prevent the third raid on his home in two years.

Sheikh Menzour Ahmed, 74, who ran an antiques business after moving to England 32 years ago, fought with three men after hearing them break in at 8.30pm on Saturday.

The brave pensioner, from Dukes Brow, Blackburn, grabbed one of the intruders in the kitchen.

He was pushed to the ground by a second burglar, but picked himself up and fought with one of the burglars as they made their escape empty-handed.

Mr Ahmed, who moved to England from East Africa, has now been burgled three times.

In the first raid, intruders escaped with valuables worth £1,700, and cash and jewellery worth £800 were taken on the second occasion.

Mr Ahmed said: "They broke my back window and caused a bit of damage, but didn't get away with anything.

"It was only afterwards that I thought about it and realised there were three of them and they could have done me some damage."

Two of the offenders are believed to be brothers, possibly twins, aged between 18 and 22, around 5ft 7in tall and were wearing brown, woollen jumpers with a grey stripe and brown woollen caps.

The third was carrying a knife or sharp object. He was the same age, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in and was also wearing a brown jumper.

Anyone with information can contact Blackburn police on 51212.

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