Anger as pensioner is attacked in home

Apr 18 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their disgust at an attack on an elderly man in his own home. The 89 year-old – named locally as Harold Lindley – was found by his carers yesterday morning with serious facial injuries in his home at Walker Grove, Walker, Newcastle.

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where he is in a stable condition and is being comforted by relatives.

Extra Northumbria Police patrols were in place in the area last night to try to reassure residents.

Officers are still trying to establish how entry was gained to the house and whether or not anything has been stolen.

Detective Inspector Lee Buzzeo said: “This was a violent attack on an elderly man in his own home and we're doing everything in our power to find the person or people responsible. We have a team of detectives working on this. We want to speak to anyone who was in the Walker Grove area of Walker yesterday morning and who may have seen anything suspicious, or anyone with information about this incident, to contact us as soon as possible as they may have vital information which could help the inquiry.”

Last night one neighbour told The Journal: “Everyone on this street knows him, we all look out for him. His is a very frail old man who isn’t able to leave his house often. I find it disgusting that someone could have done this to someone who was unable to defend themselves.”

Another neighbour said: “I saw the ambulance arrive and them taking Harry away. His face was a mess, I thought he had fallen down the stairs or something.

“It is unbelievable that someone could have attacked him.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Tony Hub said: “The Neighbourhood Policing team will be carrying out extra patrols in the area throughout today and speaking with local residents to reassure them we are doing all we can to find the person responsible.”

Anyone who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 0345 604-3043 ext 62277.