A 94-year-old grandfather from Birmingham was left shaken and injured after a terrifying attack in his own home. The assault occurred on Monday, June 8, at around 2:30 pm at his residence on Griffins Brook Road in Bournville.
According to family members, the elderly man was ambushed by a man and a woman who brutally beat, kicked, and strangled him before stealing money. The victim feared for his life during the ordeal, saying he thought he was going to die.
The suspects, a 59-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, were arrested but have since been released on bail pending further investigation.
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The victim’s family explained that the female suspect had befriended the grandfather over the past year and had been receiving money from him, typically £30 to £50 at a time. When the family discovered this and advised him to stop giving her money, the woman allegedly enlisted an accomplice to carry out the violent attack.
The victim’s granddaughter told BirminghamLive: “My grandfather was ambushed in his home and suffered a brutal assault. He said during the strangulation that he thought he was going to die. The woman pretended to be a friend but was taking advantage of him. Even after we told him not to give her money, she came back with a man and attacked him.”
The police responded quickly after the grandfather called 999, with forensic detectives attending the scene. The man left his hat behind during the incident, which aided the inquiries.
West Midlands Police confirmed the incident, stating it is being treated as a burglary involving assault and robbery. Thankfully, the victim’s injuries were not life-changing, though he remains understandably disturbed.
Officers continue to investigate and are in contact with the victim and his family. Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police quoting crime number 20/280243/26.