Police in new plea 50 days after savage attack on Maltby pensioner

Updated

An 80-year-old man left with devastating injuries when he was attacked in his home by raiders who took his life savings remains in a serious condition in hospital, police have said.

Officers have appealed for further help to find the attackers of ex-miner Tommy Ward 50 days after the raid on his home in Maltby, South Yorkshire.

Detectives say they believe the key to finding those who took part in the "vicious and cowardly assault" lies in the local community.

Mr Ward, who only weighs nine stone, was found badly injured at his home in Salisbury Road on Thursday October 1.

A safety deposit box was taken along with a substantial amount of cash, thought to be around £30,000.

After the attack, Mr Ward's family - which includes his four children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren - described his attackers as "monsters".

South Yorkshire Police said the pensioner remains in hospital in a serious condition with a "significant neurological injury".

Posters are now being distributed across the local community in the hope that they will jog people's memories and encourage more people to come forward to help with the investigation.

Detective Inspector Richard Partridge, who is overseeing the investigation, said: "I'm very grateful to the local community and the wider public in Rotherham for their continued support as we carry out our inquiries into this vicious and cowardly assault.

"Mr Ward's injuries are significant and the attack happened in his own home, therefore we must be sure we have gathered every bit of information available to us so we can piece together what happened to him."

The detective added: "I firmly believe the answer to what happened to Mr Ward lies in the local community and I know there will be people in Maltby with suspicions around who is responsible.

"Ask yourself if a family member or friend has behaved strangely since the attack? Did you see anyone with blood-stained clothes?

"What happened to Mr Ward was a brutal attack on a vulnerable man in his own home and those responsible do not deserve to be shielded by anyone.

"Even if you feel your information is not that significant, I would urge you to contact us as the smallest detail could be crucial to our investigation."

A box similar to the one reported stolen from Mr Ward was recovered in the Kilnhurst area of Rotherham two weeks after the attack but Mr Partridge said he cannot be sure it is the same one.

:: Two 19-year-old men are on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and burglary.

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