Pensioner, 96, brutally beaten during an attack at her Telford home
A pensioner was dragged from her bed and badly beaten in a brutal attack in her own home in Telford – the day before her 96th birthday.
The woman was repeatedly punched in the head by a male attacker after she told him she couldn't meet his demand for money. She was left with a bloody gash on her head and has been left in a state of shock following the attack – but the intruder appeared to leave empty-handed.
In addition to the wounds to her head, the pensioner also injured her shoulder when she was thrown to the floor and her hands when attempting to defend herself. A neighbour alerted police after hearing screams but by the time they arrived the man had gone.
Her family today spoke of their horror at the "disgusting" attack at 1am yesterday which left the woman needing hospital treatment. She has since been discharged from hospital.
Police today said a man has been arrested in connection with the assault at an address in Little Dawley, Telford. Investigating officers have given out flyers in the area appealing for information on including asking anyone with CCTV to come forward, while public appeals for details have also been made on Facebook.
Ryan James, 37, the woman's grandson, said: "It's disgusting. She is such a decent, hardworking person who's worked all her life.
"She was still shaking when I got to the hospital. She had blood on the side of her face and a gash on her head.
"She's hasn't left the house in the past few years because she finds it difficult to get around, family normally go in to help her out.
"She's said she'll never get over this. Now I'm worried about moving her back in and how she's going to be."
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Everett said: "The police investigation into this incident continues. We would appeal for anyone with information that may help with our investigation to contact us."
Residents expressed their disgust that the attack could occur in the village.
A local worker who did not wish to be named added: "It's sickening. I've never heard about anything similar happening here before.
"It makes you feel sick and by working here and talking to residents I know a lot of people feel the same way.
"It's a local community where everyone knows everyone else."
Anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 101 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
