An 89-year-old cancer patient was “dragged out of his bed and badly beaten” as armed thugs broke into his home in a terrifying Carshalton robbery.

Two suspects, with their faces covered, reportedly broke into his residence on the night of February 20 before attacking him in his bedroom.

Police said they were carrying weapons during the burglary and caused “severe bruising” when they assaulted him.

The family said they were equipped with a machete and a firearm.

His son-in-law, a man in his 50s, was sprayed with an unidentified substance when he tried to intervene, according to police, which the family said was bleach that was thrown into his eyes.

It was after the suspects searched the property for valuables that they fled the scene with items of jewellery, some of them sentimental.

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The damage caused to the patio doors

One of the 89-year-old's sons labelled the suspects as “hooligans”, adding: “He is so shaken at the moment. Badly shaken.

“I still can’t sleep because it’s very fresh at the moment.”

A JustGiving page was set up following the attack, which reads: “A wonderful, warm and welcoming local family endured the most horrific break-in yesterday [February 19], with an 89-year-old gentleman, who is a cancer patient, and his son-in-law, dragged out of bed and beaten badly.

“I am blessed to know this lovely family and I am sure, as we all are, devastated to hear this terrible news.

“We cannot replace what was stolen, however, to help boost morale during this tragic time, letting them know their community really does care, I have set up this page for any donations to send them some flowers.

“Additional monies will be given to them.”

While the victims were both rushed to a west London hospital neither of their injuries were deemed to be life-threatening.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman confirmed officers were called to reports of a man attacked in Acre Lane at around 9.18pm on February 20.

She added that no arrests have been made at this stage while enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who has information, but has not yet spoken with police, is asked to call Sutton police on 101, quoting the reference 7621/20FEB.

You can also tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can view the JustGiving page here.