A 90-year-old have-a-go hero from Warminster, who appeared on the front page of the Wiltshire Times after fighting off distraction burglars in 2007, was called in to action again this week.

Former sergeant major Ernest Bassett, of West Street, chased off two burglars on Tuesday after one of them forced their way in to the pensioner’s home claiming he was a repairman.

Mr Bassett, who retired from the 4th Wiltshire Regiment TA in 1951, said: “He said he was coming to do some repairs and it was quite feasible because people only moved in next door a few days ago.

“He pushed past me and headed out the back way. He started looking around so I twigged that something was up. I scrabbled back to the front room and there was another one in there.”

Realising they had been caught, the two offenders ran off, escaping in a car with green sides and a black top.

Mr Bassett said: “I don’t think they got away with anything because I was too quick for them.”

The first offender is aged in his 30s, about 5ft 4ins and thought to be of middle-eastern descent. He had short black hair and was wearing a black shirt, black trousers and black shoes.

The second man is white, in his 20s, with blonde hair and a short floppy fringe. He is about 6ft and was wearing a blue or blue and white horizontal striped T-shirt with dark trousers.

It is the third time the pensioner has been targeted by distraction burglars. The first incident took place at the end of 2006 when more than £600 was stolen from his home.

This week security cameras are being fitted at his home to prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s incident.

Inspector Dave Minty, of Warminster police, said: “I would like to reassure people that this crime is rare but ask that they be on their guard and ensure they do not open the door to people who don’t have an appointment.”

If you have any information on the crime or concerns call police on 0845 408 7000.