Attacked Gran's Family Describe 'Nightmare'

The daughter of a 94-year-old woman battered in her bed has described the attack as a "horrific nightmare" while making a public appeal for help.

Emma Winnall was assaulted as she slept at her home in Pensby Close, Moseley, Birmingham, some time between 9pm on April 30 and 9am the next morning, when she was found by her carer.

Speaking to the media at West Midlands Police headquarters in central Birmingham, her daughter and son joined investigating officers in a plea for information to find the attacker.

"To see your Mum viciously beaten and covered in blood is the most horrific nightmare," Emma's daughter Joyce Blencoe said.

"It's broken my heart to hear my frail and defenceless mum say she was screaming for help and no one came," she said.

"So someone out there knows who did this - please come forward before they do it to someone else."

The attack, described by police as sickening and senseless, left the frail pensioner with multiple injuries including a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist and a partially-severed finger.

She has been sedated for much of her time in hospital, where she has had metal plates inserted into her arm.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Johal appealed to members of the local community to come forward.

"We have had a number of names put to the investigation team. Those form a part of our inquiries at the moment.

"But really the appeal is again for members of the community who live in the area, who know something about this offence, or may know who is responsible," he said.

"Anybody that you know who you have suspicions about, who have been acting strangely recently or who may have mentioned it to you - it's those people who need to contact us now and help the police."

Also speaking at the news conference, he described the attack as a "unique offence" that caused "horrific" injuries.

On Monday she was interviewed by specially-trained officers , who said Mrs Winnall told them she was "struggling to understand" why she was targeted.

Police said there were no signs of a break-in at the grandmother's home and nothing was stolen. A number of items were removed from the property for forensic analysis.

The detective said the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .