Intruders attack Shropshire man, 76, in his own home

A 76-YEAR-OLD man suffered a suspected fractured eye socket after he was attacked in his home during a raid in a Shropshire village.

Police said the "traumatised" man was left with serious injuries in what they described as a "cowardly" attack.

The pensioner was asleep at his home in Loppington, near Wem, when he was confronted by two men who forced him to the floor before striking him around the head and face at 11.30pm yesterday.

The victim, who has not been named, was today recovering at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. His condition was described as stable.

Police said he was taken to hospital with a gash to his head and face injuries, including a possible fractured eye socket.

Officers are anxious to locate the victim's white Ford Ranger pickup, registration number PY08 LZX, which they said was stolen from outside his house.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said the man was asleep in bed when confronted by two men, who forced him to the floor striking him around the head and face. She today described the incident as a cowardly attack and appealed for public help in tracing the offenders.

She said: "I am appealing for any possible sightings of the pickup late last night or throughout today.

"It may have had its number plates changed or it could have been abandoned.

"If anyone spots such a vehicle in suspicious circumstances, they should contact Shrewsbury police station on 0300 3333000 as a matter of urgency.

"This is a distressing incident which has left an elderly man seriously injured and traumatised.

"We are carrying out extensive inquiries and would welcome any information from the public which might help us locate the missing vehicle or identify the offenders."

She said officers had already carried out house-to-house inquiries in Loppington and urged anyone with information which might possibly assist the investigation to get in touch.

Chris Kowalik, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said an ambulance was sent to the scene.

Information can also be given anonymously to police on 0800 555111.

By Tom Johannsen