On the day that Police reported violent crime had hit a seven-year high, a 77-year-old man and his female companion were viciously attacked by two robbers who broke into their guest house.

The senior was punched in the face ? causing him a bloody nose and bruising to his upper lip ? while the 55-year-old woman was pushed to the ground by the intruders at the property in Paget.

It was the second robbery to take place in Bermuda in the early hours of yesterday, after a thief stole a wallet from a motorcyclist who was returning to his vehicle in Pembroke.

The pair in the guest house, who are visitors to the Island, told Police they woke at 4.30 a.m. after hearing noises at their door.

Officers say the man got out of bed to investigate and saw two people in the room. One of them hit him in the face and demanded money before snatching his black leather wallet, which contained $50 cash and personal items.

Both offenders then left but immediately returned, demanding more money.

This time, one of the suspects pushed the woman to the ground, while his accomplice went into a closet and took the female victim?s brown leather backpack, containing $20 worth of US coins, a black and grey Nokia cell phone, a Fuji 35mm camera and personal items. Both suspects then escaped.

Police say the senior declined medical attention for his injuries, while the female did not report any injuries.

The suspects are described as two men, one of whom was black. They were between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins, of slim build, and are believed to be in their 20s or 30s.

In the Pembroke incident, Police say the 24-year-old Paget man was walking to his motorcycle, which was parked on Bermudiana Road, at about 1.45 a.m..

As he approached the vehicle, he saw an unknown man who appeared to be draining gas from it. He confronted the suspect and a scuffle ensued.

A second suspect then appeared and intervened. The suspects took the victim?s black leather wallet, containing $45 cash and personal items, as well as his cell phone, before running away in opposite directions along Bermudiana Road. The victim was not injured.

The first suspect is described as light-skinned, about 5ft 7ins, of medium build and in his 20s. He was wearing a white and blue rain jacket and a hood or a hat. His accomplice was a black man, wearing a black jacket.

Anybody with information about either of the incidents should telephone the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.

Alternatively, call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.