04 May 2012

Woman Badly Beaten In Her Own Bed

Police are urging Birmingham's communities for help to trace the person who sneaked into a 94-year-old woman's home and beat her as she slept.

Emma Winnall, from Pensby Close in Moseley, was assaulted in her own bed overnight between Monday April 30 and Tuesday May 1.

The attack left her with a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist, partially severed finger and other multiple injuries.

She is seriously ill and sedated in hospital having undergone emergency surgery, including having metal plates inserted into her arm.

Detectives investigating the incident have so far been unable to determine a motive for the attack.

West Midlands Police Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Johal, said: "It doesn't appear anything was stolen from the lady's home and the interior was largely undisturbed.

"We believe an implement of some sort was used during the assault – our forensics experts are scouring the property in the hope of shedding some light on exactly what happened.

"She suffered very nasty injuries and ones which, given her age, could well have been life threatening. She is showing signs of improvement in hospital; our thoughts are with her and hopefully she will make a full recovery."

The victim's carer raised the alarm at 9am on Tuesday morning but the attack could have occurred at any time from 9pm the previous night.

Det Chief Insp Johal added: "This is a truly sickening attack on a defenceless, frail lady as she slept in her own home. Mrs Winnall had nothing of note to steal…it was a senseless assault and I'd urge anyone with suspicions about who may be responsible to get in touch straight away.

"The attacker may well have mentioned something to a friend or relative…or perhaps someone remembers a person acting oddly that evening or the following morning.

"I'm sure the answer to this vicious assault lies in our local communities so we're appealing for help to try and trace the offender."

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on the 101 number or the independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

(CD)