A frail 84-year-old man robbed of his savings in the street has spoken of his fear of leaving home.

A callous robber shoved him to one side to steal thousands of pounds he had just withdrawn from the bank to pay for a replacement for his broken down car.

Now the victim, who is too afraid to be named, is suffering from shock and said the ordeal has made him scared to go out.

His wife told the Daily Echo how her husband, a sociable man who regularly visits local shops and the local library, has not slept since the robbery on Monday morning and was left in tears.

“We saved hard for that money and have not been on holiday for many years so it is very upsetting but what’s worse is how it makes you feel,” she said.

“He couldn’t stop crying and feels unwell and all because of one lousy, horrible man.”

Her husband, a proud man, added: “I don’t feel like going anywhere because I’m very nervous. I just hope the police catch him.”

Detectives believe the elderly man may have been followed from Lloyds in Wimborne Road, Kinson, after drawing out £2,200 and placing it in the pouch of his three-wheeled walking aid.

He was walking up his own road when he was suddenly approached from behind by the robber at about 10.15am.

“I didn’t even hear him coming but he knocked me off balance and had run off before I could even steady myself,” said the great-grandfather.

“Some people saw what had happened and came to help me but it was too late.”

The man added: “I think he must have seen me put the money in the pouch. I’m just glad I didn't put it in my pocket because I would probably been hurt when he tried to steal it.”

The offender ran into a field adjacent to Summers Avenue and Wimborne Road before darting into an alleyway leading to Wakely Road.

Police with sniffer dogs attended the scene but the offender is yet to be caught.

The robber is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, and wearing a red hooded jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms. He is around 5ft 8ins tall, with dark hair.

DC Caroline Craft of Bournemouth CID urged witnesses to come forward and said: “This was a heartless attack on a vulnerable victim and I am determined to bring the offender to justice.

“Fortunately the victim was not injured in this very serious robbery.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 15:83.

Businesses and Echo readers are already offering to help replace the OAPs savings. If you would like to help please call Andy Martin on 01202 411293.