A 78-YEAR-OLD man chased a robber and beat him with a stick to protect a neighbour with learning difficulties who had been targeted by crooks.

Horace Toolis tried to stop the raider escaping over a back wall at the home of Gordon Earl, 53, and grabbed his legs to try to stop him running off.

Police praised the actions of Mr Toolis and slammed the robbers for a "disgusting attack" on his vulnerable neighbour, the second time he had been targeted in two days.

The latest raid happened on Monday at 5.30pm when two men climbed into Mr Earl's home in the Anchor area of Darwen.

Detective Constable John Entwisle, said Mr Earl heard the thieves as they stood on the kitchen extension and clambered through the back window. Mr Earl, who has lived at the address for 36 years, went next door to raise the alarm and told Mr Toolis and his partner Kathleen Waddington to call the police.

Went he returned to his home he was knocked to the ground and robbed, prompting his neighbours into action.

Armed with a stick from his yard, Mr Toolis began to hit the thief with it to stop him escaping.

He said: "If I was younger he wouldn't have got away but there was nothing I could do. I'm not a hero, Gordon is a very quiet person and I did what I hope anyone would have done."

DC Entwisle warned of the dangers to "have a go heroes" but said Mr Toolis' actions were extremely brave.

He said: "This was a disgusting attack on a vulnerable man and these people need to be caught as soon as possible."

Mr Earl, who lost £140 in the attack, praised his neighbour. He said: "It was terrible for me. I was very frightened."

Police said Mr Earl's home was also targeted on Friday.

On this occasion a man pretending to be an insurance salesman called between 5.45pm and 6.15pm.

When Mr Earl asked him to leave the man forced his way in and took cash from his wallet.

Police said that moments later the same man let himself in through the back door of the property and told Mr Earl he could catch the "thief" for a reward.

When Mr Earl became suspicious, the offender ransacked a sideboard in the living room before searching Mr Earl's bedroom.

He then took the wallet containing cash again.

The man was described as a white male, 5ft 10in, in his mid-20s and slim. He wore jeans and a jacket.

Police believe Monday's raiders made off towards Blackburn Road.

They are looking into reports that a Range Rover-type vehicle was waiting for them near Johnson Swimming School.

Witnesses said they saw one man running towards a grey vehicle, which had its engine running, before making off.

DC Entwisle said: "We very much want to talk to the female driver of that vehicle."

One offender was 21-25, 5ft 8in, slim with short hair and clean shaven. He was wearing jeans and a long sleeved dark coloured top.

The other, thought to be linked to both attacks, was 21 to 25, 5ft 7in, slim with sharp facial features, a pale complexion and wearing a light coloured shirt.

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on on 01254 353841.