Robbers tried to force their way into a Mitcham house by hitting the homeowner on the head with a brick.

Police said the pair threatened then struggled with the 51-year-old on his doorstep in Sirdar Road before striking him with the masonary and cutting his head, at about 6.15pm on Tuesday, February 9.

The man’s wife came rushing out, screaming at the men prompting them to run off.

One shouted: “Come on let’s go, there are people around.”

Police arrived within minutes but an immediate search for the pair was unsuccessful.

Detective Constable Sylvester McNally, of Merton police’s burglary and robbery team, said: “We are very keen to locate and arrest the two offenders who carried out this cowardly attack.

"Merton remains one of London’s safest boroughs, and we intend to keep it that way.”

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.