Police plea after 77-year-old victim left in hospital in poorly condition

The 77-year-old victim, who has a lung condition, had to be rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary with breathing difficulties after cruel robbers barged their way into her home.

Yesterday she was described as being in a poorly condition on a ward at BRI.

The man leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, urged other criminals to come forward with information.

Det Chief Insp Wallen said: “The people who did this are the lowest of the low. This is an attack on one of the most vulnerable people in the community and I would ask the criminal fraternity, if they know who has done this, to contact police with the information. They can do so anonymously.”

The woman, who lives alone, was attacked after she answered a knock at the door of her ground-floor flat in Manchester Road, Bradford, at 6pm on Sunday.

Two white men, wearing dark clothing, including gloves, and with their faces partly covered, shoved their way inside and pushed the woman into a chair in her living room.

They threatened her and searched the property, leaving with money, bank cards and a mobile phone.

The pensioner managed to alert a relative and the police were called.

Det Chief Insp Wallen said: “She was able to give officers an account of what happened, but later her family had to take her to hospital because she was feeling unwell. Her condition deteriorated and she has been admitted to a ward.

“She had a pre-existing lung condition and suffered from breathing difficulties which has been exacerbated by the stress and panic of what happened.”

Det Chief Insp Wallen asked anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at around 6pm on Sunday, or who had any suspicious callers to their homes in the afternoon or early evening to contact them.

They should ring Bradford South CID on 101, or Crimestop-pers on 0800 555111.

• A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and is in custody.