This shocking picture shows the battered face of a frail 85-year-old man who was attacked and robbed in his home by an evil thug who pretended to be from Age Concern.
Detectives are hunting the cruel yob who punched the elderly victim repeatedly in the face and body in a sickening daylight attack before forcing him to hand over cash.
The raider burst into the pensioner’s home in Northfield Road, Stoke, Coventry, at 1.30pm on April 23.
The elderly man initially opened his front door on a security chain but released it when the robber asked to enter the property claiming to be from charity Age Concern.
Moments later the man forced his way into the property and brutally attacked the victim leaving him with extensive injuries, including a broken nose, bruising to his chest and a cracked rib.
The man was forced to hand over cash and bank cards before being locked in his front room, while the thug ransacked the house.
Police have spoken to residents in the area and trawled CCTV as well as a forensic examination of the property, but the offender is still on the loose.
Detective Inspector Gerrard Amadeo, of West Midlands Police, said: “This was a particularly vicious and sustained attack which has left an elderly man with horrific injuries.
“He remains in hospital where his physical injuries continue to heal, but he has been left deeply traumatised by the incident.
“I am now appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area on that day to come forward.
“This man did the right thing by having a chain on his door, but it is also essential to ask for identification from anyone purporting to be from an organisation.
“If there is any doubt, call the company and check the caller out while they wait. A bonafide caller will not mind if you do this.”
Neighbours yesterday (Fri) expressed shock at their attack.
One elderly woman in her 80s, who did not want to be named, said: “The person who did this, or animal I should say, is scum.
“How someone can deliberately target vulnerable people in their own homes is beyond evil.
“I am scared to open my front door to anyone other than family.
“It’s a terrible state of affairs when you don’t feel safe in your own home in the middle of the day.”
Anyone with information is urged to call detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
