An elderly pensioner has spoken of the moment two masked men claiming to be 'the police' forced their way into his home in the middle of the day and demanded money.

It is among what has been described as a "spate" of burglaries in the Helston area in recent weeks, with Germoe parish councillor Ian Foster saying he had heard of four separate incidents – including one only yesterday (Thursday), at Trescowe near Germoe, in which he said "high value items" were taken.

He has now urged people to stay alert and take precautions, saying: "It's time to be super vigilant."

Just over two weeks ago two men forced a door at the home of pensioner John Edwards, who lives near Praa Sands, with one walking into his bedroom with a crowbar.

The 83-year-old had been resting in bed after "overdoing it" in the preceding days when the men broke in at around 1.30pm to 1.45pm on Monday, August 16.

Former lorry driver Mr Edwards, who also worked for the water board, told the Packet: "I heard a crash and I thought it must be my neighbours. Then I saw one chap come in with a crowbar.

"I asked him what the hell he was doing, and he said he wanted some money.

"I said I didn't have any money in the house. He was a big chap, thick set."

Mr Edwards, who was then aware of a second man going in to another bedroom, moved towards the door but the two men ran off.

"They were wearing masks and they said they were the police – but the police don't go breaking in with a crowbar!

"I ordered them out and it wasn't until afterwards you realise what you've done, and they have got a crowbar in their hand, and they are 6ft and hefty built.

"But I'm tough as old boots."

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information in connection with a report of an aggravated burglary to a property in Pengersick Lane, Germoe, Penzance, at around 1.45pm on Monday, August 16.

"Two males entered the property stating that they were police and demanded money, they left after being told that there wasn’t any money.

"The suspects are described as two white males, medium to large build, wearing black-coloured clothing.

"Anyone with information or CCTV in the area is asked to phone 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime CR/070180/21."