A HERO emergency care line service operator yelled at a knife-wielding burglar as he terrified a vulnerable man.

The elderly victim is a user of the Southend Careline service, an alarm system usually used by residents if they are suffering from a medical emergency, operated by South Essex Homes.

Careline employee Kevin Derbyshire received an alarm notification from the man’s home in Billericay after he activated his Careline pendant because he was frightened.

It soon became clear someone was trying to break into his home - and the man feared he was going to be harmed.

Describing the incident, Careline manager Deborah Hill-David said: “Kevin immediately took the call and could hear a commotion at the home through the pendant.

“The resident was distressed and said there was someone trying to get into his home with a knife.”

Kevin kept the resident on the phone, called the police and reassured him help was on the way before using the intercom system to scare the burglar away.

Deborah added: “Knowing the equipment could resound up to 100 metres, Kevin raised his voice so that anyone in the property would be able to hear him.

“The resident was also able to lock himself away safely while Kevin reassured him.

“Kevin’s voice managed to scare the intruder into leaving.

“The police arrived in minutes and all the while Kevin remained on the line reassuring the resident.

“Thankfully, the resident was not harmed, but his door was kicked in, his wallet was stolen and it could have been a very different outcome if he did not have access to the Careline emergency service.

“We are all proud of Kevin who has worked for Careline for ten years.

“We do this job day in and day out, but when you come across one team member doing it so well and a positive outcome from what is mainly a medical emergency service, you realise that it is for everyone who is vulnerable.”

Southend Careline is a specialised emergency alarm service which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and helps residents across Essex to stay safe in their own homes.

Mike Gatrell, Chief Executive of South Essex Homes, was full of praise too. He said: “I would like to personally thank and applaud Kevin and the rest of the Careline team for their efforts.

“This just goes to show what an invaluable service the whole team provide for members of the community when they need it most.

The suspect was not apprehended at the scene, but anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101.

For information about Southend Careline call 0800 833 160 or email careline@seh.southend.gov.uk