A knife-wielding robber who woke a pensioner from his afternoon nap to steal £200 apologised for the theft as he made off with the cash.

The 92-year-old, a retired employee with Sutton Council, was crept out of his bedroom in his semi-detached cottage in Church Hill, overlooking Carshalton Ponds, when he heard a noise.

The victim was then confronted by a man on his landing carrying a knife during the incident on Sunday, June 14 about 1.45 to 2pm.

He handed over £200 cash and a mobile phone and was astonished as the robber apologised for taking the money before he fled.

The man is believed to have entered the property through an open, upstairs bathroom window.

A police spokesman said he was male, aged 30-40, of Eastern European appearance, with a foreign or Russian accent.

Detective Sergeant Paula Bond, who is leading the investigation, said she would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a man of this description in the area.

Witnesses or people with information should call Det Sgt Bond at Sutton CID on 020 8649 0747 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more crime news go to suttonguardian.co.uk