Police are hunting for burglars who inflicted "terrible injuries" on a pensioner as he slept and ransacked his home.

The “callous unprovoked and sustained assault” left the 70-year-old man near death as the burglars stole First World War memorabilia.

The attack happened at 11pm when the pensioner was sound asleep in his home in Garlies Road, Perry Vale, on September 22.

Police believe two men forced entry into his home via a back door and stole his grandfather’s tobacco tin which was issued to all troops.

Despite the pensioner being asleep and there being “no apparent need” to wake him, one of the intruders began violently hitting him across the head as he lay in bed.

He had to be taken to Kings College Hospital where he received treatment for multiple wounds to his head and face including a depressed skull fracture and fracture of his right eye socket.

Detective Constable David Vial, of Lewisham CID, is leading the investigation. He said: "Attacking a vulnerable elderly man sleeping in his bed is as low as it gets. What is particularly disturbing is there was no apparent need to wake the victim.

"The theft of property from the house could well have been carried out without this callous unprovoked and sustained assault which left the victim with terrible injuries.

"The suspect has taken a number of items in particular a WWI tobacco tin issued to all troops, which was owned by his grandfather and was complete. Although a common item, it had sentimental value.

"It is imperative that we find the two culprits involved and bring them to justice before they attack anyone else."

The 70-year-old has been discharged from hospital and is now recuperating at home with his family.

Anyone with information is urged to call Lewisham CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also tweet information to police via @MetCC.