An elderly couple were confronted by intruders in their Salterforth home and subjected to a terrifying ordeal.

Mr Bob Schofield (89) and his wife Mollie (87) were asleep in bed when the intruders struck. While the police are trying to piece together the events, it is clear Bob confronted his attackers and was beaten repeatedly, causing facial injuries.

Acting Det. Insp. David Groombridge, of Pendle CID, said: "It seems that Bob, covered in blood and nursing his injuries, may have valiantly fought his attackers until overpowered."

Ex-Royal Navy veteran Bob fought during the Second World War, crewing escort ships completing the notorious North Atlantic convoy missions from Scapa Flow to Murmansk, dealing with enemy dive bomber attacks and ferocious conditions.

DI Groombridge said: "A hard life lived by a hard man who, even at 89, stood up to defend his wife and property. Mrs Schofield appears physically unharmed, but the true result of shock and distress is yet to be assessed."

Evidence of ransacking suggests the motive was burglary.

The alarm was raised by a neighbour, who noticed the curtains were still drawn yesterday morning, which was out of character.

Relatives attended and found the couple lying shocked and injured.
North West Ambulance Service staff responded quickly, taking both Mr and Mrs Schofield to Airedale hospital where they are receiving treatment.

DI Groombridge, leading the investigation, said: "This is a deplorable offence, committed against an elderly, defenceless couple in their own home. It's hard to imagine a more heartless, cowardly and despicable occurrence and detectives will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find those responsible.

"Bob is 89 years of age and can't have been a serious threat to anyone, the level of violence used is obscene and I appeal to anyone with knowledge of the offence or identity of the offenders to come forward.

"Even those in or on the periphery of crime cannot surely condone this behaviour and I particularly appeal to the criminal fraternity to call time on this and do what is right."

Police wish to reassure residents of Pendle that offences of this type are uncommon and increased policing patrols will offer comfort.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pendle CID on 472644 or Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555111.