Intruders broke into Mr Bob Schofield's cottage in Chapel Hill, Salterforth, early on Monday as he and his wife, Mollie (87), slept.

Police said it appeared the pensioner had confronted his attackers and was left with horrendous facial injuries.

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

Neighbours raised the alarm after spotting the curtains remained closed and alerted relatives who found Mr Schofield bloodied and bruised and his wife in shock.

Evidence of ransacking has led officers to suspect burglary was the motive.

The couple's son John and their daughter-in-law Dee said: "We are all in a state of shock; mum and dad are lovely, caring people who wouldn't hurt anyone. We can't imagine why anyone would hurt either of them. We echo the police request for anyone with information to come forward and help us catch these evil people."

Mr Schofield was an ex-Royal Navy veteran from the Second World War who took part in the North Atlantic convoy missions from Scapa Flow to Murmansk.

His efforts to confront his intruders came as no suprise to his nephew, Mr Peter King. "Having a go at his attackers is in character with Bob's nature as he would be looking to protect himself and his wife," he said. "Bob is an absolute gentleman in every sense of the word. He is polite, well dressed and really sprightly and agile for his age and we have had an enormous number of phone calls expressing sympathy and horror at what has happened."

Mr King hoped the photo of Mr Schofield's injuries would persuade anyone with information about this crime to pass this onto the police.

Det.Insp. Groombridge said: "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."

"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 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."

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

A former Pendle Mayor was so appalled by the attack he is offering a £100 reward to anyone offering information leading to arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Coun. George Adam, who is chairman of Nelson and District branch of the Royal British Legion, stressed the £100 will be paid out of his own pocket.

"I was so appalled and incensed when I heard what had happened to Mr Schofield that I felt I just had to do something," he said. "The people who attacked him are just the scum of the earth in my mind and should be 'put down' like dogs."