Police have shared a description of the thug they want to speak to after an elderly man was attack with a hammer in his own home.

The attack happened in Pleasant Road, Southend, at about 7pm on Friday.

It is reported the armed burglar forced his way into the home of the victim, a man in his 70s, and grabbed him before hitting him with a hammer.

The thug then stole money and a mobile phone before fleeing the scene.

Police officers were called and the victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life changing injuries.

Detectives are now investigating the incident and police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen any suspicious behaviour.

The suspect was described as being white with an olive complextion, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5ft 7ins and 6ft tall and English.

He was wearing a black beanie style hat and dark clothing.

Investigating officer PC Georgette Hixon said: "This was a horrible attack on a vulnerable man and we want to find the person responsible for carrying it out.

"A person's home is a place of safety and now this victim has had that security taken away from him.

"I urge anyone with information to come forward. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, it could prove vital to our investigation and help find this person so we can bring him to justice."

If you have information, contact Southend CID on 101 quoting 42/45248/19.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.