HIS neighbours see him as an absolute gentleman.

But to the intruders who broke into the 84-year-old's home, Ernie Whitfield behaved nothing like the sort, fighting back despite the attackers being armed with a hammer, metal pole and a knife.

Neighbour Judy Hodge, who went to Mr Whitfield's aid after the intruders ran away, told AAP it was "beyond wonderful" that he had fought them off, describing his brave actions as "awesome".

Mr Whitfield was asleep in his Port Macquarie home on NSW's mid north coast at about 2am AEDT on Saturday when the intruders, described as of heavy build and one standing a towering 205cm tall, broke in.

The intruder with the hammer found a knife in the kitchen and armed himself with it, and the pair then confronted the octogenarian in his bedroom, police say.

When they demanded money, Mr Whitfield pointed to his wallet.

As he attempted to get out of bed, one of the intruders pushed him down and struck him on the arm with the pole.

That is when Mr Whitfield decided to fight back.

Police said Mr Whitfield got up and became involved in a scuffle with the man armed with the knife and hammer. They fell to the floor and the elderly man was able to break the blade off the knife.

As the offender tried to strike him with the hammer, Mr Whitfield stabbed the man in the stomach. The intruder yelled: "He's stabbed me, he's stabbed me", according to Mr Whitfield's neighbour.

The elderly man then disarmed the offender with the pole and used it to defend himself. The intruders, who had met their match, were chased from the Cornwallis Close home with only Mr Whitfield's's wallet.

Ms Hodge heard her neighbour calling for help as the men made off and went to his aid. She described him as an "absolute gentleman" and an "absolute sweetie" who is quiet and keeps himself to himself.

"Violence and attacking old people is disgusting," she said.

"If they are going to come near people and do nasty things, they have to be prepared to suffer."

Mr Whitfield was treated at the scene after emergency services were called and was later taken to Port Macquarie Hospital for treatment to cuts to his head and leg.

His neighbour praised his presence of mind in getting the knife from the intruders.

"I think he's beyond wonderful for fighting them off," said Ms Hodge.

"I suppose it's what anyone would do with a knife pointed at them."

The offenders are described as both having heavy builds, one very tall at about 205cm, while the second was shorter. Both wore dark hooded jumpers and had their faces concealed.

Police are appealing for information from the public.