AN 80-YEAR-OLD man was shocked when he returned to his Paignton home to find a masked intruder inside.

He managed to shout at the balaclava-clad raider who promptly ran out of the back of the property in Broadsands Avenue.

The occupant, who does not wish to be named, went the other way through the front door and immediately phoned police who made a search of the area, but without finding the culprit.

The victim later discovered the burglar had fled with an exclusive Longines gold wristwatch, valued at more than £2,500.

He said after his ordeal: "It was a big shock, but I've got over it now."

He added: "The police have been brilliant. They were on the case within minutes. I've had their full support right from the start."

Bay detectives are anxious to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area at the time of the break-in — about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

The man being hunted was wearing a black balaclava and a red T-shirt with a white, long-sleeved top underneath.

The householder was not hurt during the incident.

Det Con Stu Sweatman, of Torbay Police's burglary and vehicle squad, said: "The victim returned home and found the man in his house.

"He managed to scare him off."

He said the offender may have been quite small because he broke in through a small window which he smashed.

"He also left by the same means, so he may not have been too large," said DC Sweatman.

The watch had the inscription: "from his friends at Conabeare Acoustic, 1989-1999."

DC Sweatman said inquiries were being made locally and outside the Devon and Cornwall area.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01803 841525, quoting crime FP/09/3882.

Late yesterday police recovered the watch after arresting a man in Plymouth for a separate matter. The man was being quizzed in the city.