A £10,000 reward has been put up to catch the thugs who viciously beat up a 98-year-old war veteran in his own home.
Peter Gouldstone is fighting for his life in hospital with extremely severe injuries after suffering two bleeds on the brain.
Today the independent charity Crimestoppers said it will payout £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the thugs responsible.
His son Simon found him in a semi-conscious state in his bedroom in Evesham Road, Enfield, north London, on Tuesday morning after the backdoor was broken in.
The former civil servant, who was alerted by a neighbour, told reporters: I smelt a rat because the house was very cold, he was in amongst quite a lot of turmoil.
He couldnt communicate, he had bruising on his arms and face.
Rapists and murderers among more than 230 foreign criminals on the run in UK
I dont know how they can live with themselves. Examine your consciences. The sooner theyre locked up the better.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said: Mr Gouldstone remains in a life threatening and critical condition in hospital.
He was left for dead in his own home, a place where he should feel safest.
There is no way of knowing when he would have been discovered.
Had it not been for a member of the public raising the alarm, I believe that Mr Gouldstone would have succumbed to his injuries.
My investigation team has been working relentlessly to trace the individuals behind this horrific attack.
To provide an even greater incentive for the public, if one is needed, I have approached Crimestoppers for an enhanced reward of £10,000 for anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this despicable offence.
I urge anyone who can provide information, no matter how small a detail, to contact police without delay.
I particularly want to hear from people that may have been offered the Panasonic television that was stolen, or who saw either people or vehicles in the vicinity of Evesham Road, Enfield, N11 that may have appeared out of place.
Mr Gouldstone said his father, who has lived at the house for more than 50 years, was a former telephone engineer who worked for the Post Office before retiring around 1980.
His wife of 65 years Joan died several years ago and the couple also had a daughter, he added.
Advertisement
Advertisement
As a member of the family Im shocked, as a member of the human race Im lost for words at mans inhumanity to man Im afraid, Mr Gouldstone said when asked about the attackers.
Several elderly neighbours spoke of their shock and concern following the incident on Wednesday.
Pio Gomes, 78, said Mr Gouldstone was rarely seen outside since his wife died.
He said: After that he wouldnt come out much, I used to take his bins out for him because he wasnt steady.
His son Simon used to come round and take him out, take him shopping.
Of course it affects you because its worrying. Its callous, who could have done this to an old man like him?
A black Panasonic 26in TV was stolen from the house along with a number of other items, police said.
The attack took place in a 20-hour window between 2pm on November 5 and when he was discovered, but officers believe it was most likely under cover of darkness.
Advertisement
Advertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]