An 84-year-old man has chased a knife-wielding burglar from his house during a night-time break-in.

The pensioner, who suffered hand injuries in the incident, refused to hand over cash when the burglar entered his home in Gateshead on Sunday, Northumbria Police said.

Officers have appealed for information to trace the suspect, thought to be a young man, who fled the scene.

The force said: "At about 9.20pm, Sunday December 17, police received a report of a robbery at an address on Oakwood Gardens in Lobley Hill.

"A man entered the rear of the address and approached the occupant, an 84-year-old man, inside the house and made threats with a knife.

"The victim refused to hand over any money and chased the offender out of the house where the offender made off down a back path leading under the A1.

"The victim sustained injuries to his hand during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment."

Police said that it was an isolated incident, although they have stepped up patrols in the area.

The offender was described as being around 5ft 9in tall, white, of medium build and with black crew-cut hair and stubble.

He was "young in age" and wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes on the arms and a hood, police said.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 994 17/12/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.