A police manhunt was being held last night for a burglar who attacked a 94-year-old woman at a Bradford care home leaving her with severe head injuries.

The intruder broke in through a window at the ground floor flat at Rosewood Court in Shakespeare Close, Barkerend.

The victim, who has not been named, was attacked in the bathroom. She was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where she was described as being in a stable condition.

Detective Superintendent Dick Nuttall, who is leading the hunt, condemned the crime as an “appalling attack” and appealed for the public’s help to catch the offender.

The woman was found injured by staff at the home shortly after 10.30pm on Friday. It is believed the break-in occurred sometime between 9.30pm and 10pm. A search had been made of drawers and cupboards in the flat.

The victim is being supported by specially-trained officers and police are trying to trace immediate members of her family.

Det Supt Nuttall said: “This is an appalling attack with violence being used towards a frail, defenceless lady.

“At this stage we believe the motive may be burglary but are keeping an open mind and would appeal to the public for any information which can assist our inquiries.

“Incidents where intruders use violence against residents do not happen very often.

“The area around the care home is used as a short cut between New Otley Road and Barkerend Road, so it is likely that people would have been about. Local residents may also have seen something.

“If you were in or around the Shakespeare Close area between 9pm and 10pm and saw something strange or suspicious, or have any information about this matter, we would like to hear from you as soon as possible.

“Any information will be treated in confidence and could be the crucial link to tracing who is responsible for the attack on this lady.”

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