A man is “barricading” himself in at night after a would-be robber armed with a knife walked into his flat.

Macauley Sayles, 18, was home alone on Boxing Day when the ordeal happened.

He managed to grapple with the unknown man, who then fled the ground-floor flat in West Bowling.

It happened at about 10pm and left Mr Sayles, who has depression and has lived at the Incommunities property for one year, shaken but not hurt.

He called his dad Anthony Sayles, who lives nearby, for help and the police were alerted.

Mr Sayles said his son now felt unsafe living at the flat and was desperate to move out.

“He is barricading himself in on a night with his bike and a bedside cabinet, anything he thinks will keep an intruder out.

“We’ve asked Incommunities for help but they’re just saying he should have locked his door.

“Someone has been round to talk to us but they keep saying the door should have been locked, that’s not helping now.

“It was only ten at night. He’s never had any problems at the flat before and he’s no idea who this man was or what he wanted.

“Luckily he wasn’t hurt but he was shocked.”

The family have now fitted extra bolts and chains to the flat door but are hoping the culprit will be caught if people come forward with information to help police.

A police spokesman said: “Police have recorded a crime of attempt robbery in relation to this incident, which is reported to have occurred at around 10.40pm on Tuesday, 26 December.

“The suspect is described as being around six feet tall and was said to be wearing a dark grey hooded top and blue jeans.

“The victim was uninjured and no safeguarding concerns were reported.

“Anyone who can assist this investigation further is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170602416.

“Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

An Incommunities spokesman said: “We were made aware of the alleged incident at the property over the festive break.

“A housing officer attended on January 3 and we are aware the incident is being investigated by the police.

“We give advice on home safety as part of any tenancies including the importance of keeping homes secure and locking doors and windows.”

The spokesman added its officers were still talking to Mr Sayles about his needs.

“We will continue to liaise with the customer with regard their housing needs and we would urge anyone with information relating to this reported incident to contact the police immediately.”