WOMAN, 89, ATTACKED IN OWN HOME

Angela Murphy • Published 8 Jul 2009 12:59

A PENSIONER lay helpless for 12 hours after being robbed and attacked in her own home.

The woman was found on the floor of her house by a care worker the morning after the brutal attack.

Cops are now appealing to the public to come forward with any information before the sick robber attacks again.

He gained entry to the 89-year-old"s house on Stanley Lane, Brookfield, by smashing one of the front windows.

The vulnerable OAP"s emergency buzzer was snatched from round her neck so she could not call for help.

The thug then punched the former gym teacher in the face and beat her up so badly that she was knocked to the ground.

He then stole just a handful of cash from her handbag and made off.

The terrified lady, who lives alone after her husband died over 30 years ago, was discovered when her care worker was making her daily visit at 9.30am on Friday July 2.

At first the carer couldn"t find her, but then heard her crying out in pain.

This is the second time her house on the beautiful leafy street has been robbed in 10 years.

She is now being treated at the RAH in Paisley where she will remain for some time in order to recover from this terrifying ordeal.

Brookfield Community Council chairman, Gordon Bradford said: 'This is shocking news, particularly when there are little or no crimes recorded in the village from month to month.

'The area where the woman lived is very secluded so it may have been an easy target for whoever carried out this horrendous attack.'

The normally peaceful hamlet just outside Johnstone has been rocked by news of this shocking crime.

One local resident said: 'We have such a nice quiet life here - people move to Brookfield to get away from the noise and crime of the bigger towns.

'The woman kept herself to herself but she will be back - this is her home and she"s got great fighting spirit.'

The attacker is thought to be between 20 and 30-years-old, slim build, black hair and was wearing a dark jacket and dungarees.

Detective Inspector Mark McGowan said: 'If you remember seeing someone fitting this description on Thursday night, please get in touch.

'You may have heard glass being broken or seen a stranger in the area that night.'

If you spotted anything suspicious please phone CID immediately on 01505 404000.

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This article appeared in The Gazette 08 Jul 09

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