A BRAVE pensioner told today how he fought off a violent robber who was trying to steal his wife's handbag.

The 71-year-old, from Acomb, managed to punch the man twice in the face - despite threats that he would use a knife unless they handed over the valuables.

The thief eventually fled the scene after a violent struggle, but left the couple with the chilling words: "I know where you live."

The pair were walking back from Poppleton Road Working Men's Club along Sitwell Grove, Acomb, when the man jumped them from behind.

"I was holding hands with my wife when he grabbed hold of her handbag," said the pensioner, who is too frightened to be named.

"He said he wanted the handbag and had a knife. I turned round and managed to hit him in the face, but it wasn't hard enough."

The robber then struck the pensioner in the face, smashing his glasses, but he managed to fight back and punch him again. "He pulled something out of his pocket like a screwdriver and said he knew where we lived before running off. I was shouting for help and some of our neighbours rushed out to look for him."

The pensioner, who suffered a bruised cheek, went round to his neighbours' houses the next day to thank them for their help.

Colin Ventress, of York police, said the attacker is described as white, aged between 18 and 19, of very thin build, 5ft 5in tall.

He was wearing a blue anorak and a dark baseball cap.

The incident occurred at 12.15am on Saturday.

"All my neighbours showed a great community spirit," said the pensioner, who has been married for 42 years.

"We were really shocked and I think these people are scumbags.

"My wife was a bag of nerves. It won't stop us walking home - you can't stop living can you?"

Anyone with information should phone York police on 0845 6060 247.

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, May 19, 2005