Hunt for ‘heartless’ suspect who robbed great-grandmother

An great-grandmother had to crawl to her neighbour’s after she was left battered and blue by a ‘brutal and heartless’ robber.

Police have released shocking images of the 87-year-old after she was forced out of bed by her attacker. 

They show the octogenarian covered with ‘horrific injuries’ that covered her arms and legs. 

West Midlands Police said the woman did not initially hear the robber break into her home in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, at around 6.30am on Monday. 

The man – who officers say spoke with a local accent – forced her out of bed and led her around the house demanding money. 

He also rifled through her drawers, stealing jewellery and other precious items, including a commemorative coin from Sierra Leone. 

DC Laura Halpin, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘This was a brutal and heartless attack on this lady and we are absolutely determined to catch the person responsible.

‘Our teams are carrying out extensive house to house, reviewing CCTV in the local area and conducting foot patrols. 

West Midlands Police said the woman did not initially hear the robber break into her home in Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, at around 6.30am on Monday

The man – who officers say spoke with a local accent – forced her out of bed and led her around the house demanding money. Pictured: Horrific bruising to the great-grandmother’s arm

‘Forensics and other specialist teams have been gathering evidence from the address too, but we need the local community to get on board; share our appeal and contact us with information.’

The man is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, aged between 18 and 25 and slim. He was wearing dark clothing and baseball hat with an orange rim.

DC Halpin added: ‘I’d urge people who may know who is responsible to look at the injuries of this lady and do the right thing – get in touch with us. 

‘Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is could be vital to our investigation.’

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting crime number 20BE/22740V/18. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.