Moscow, Sep 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti): A World War II veteran in Ukraine prevented a possible theft with his 1916 pistol by shooting at a man who broke into his house.

The incident occurred in Nikolayev region in which the trespasser was injured, a media report said. The suspected burglar had to be hospitalised due to two gunshot wounds.

He gave police the name and address of his alleged shooter, but the latter appeared to have an alibi. The police continued looking for the shooter in the village, eventually arriving at the house of the 88-year-old war veteran.

The former officer, having lived alone for many years, initially claimed to have stabbed the thief with a poker. But the policemen smelled gunpowder. The old man then admitted to shooting and surrendered his old revolver.

"The revolver made in 1916 was sent for examination," police said, adding that the circumstances of the suspected burglary and shooting were being investigated.

The veteran will not face strict punishment even if a criminal case is opened.