Birmingham distraction-burglary attacker left woman fighting for life as police issue picture appeal

-Credit: (Image: BirminghamLive)
-Credit: (Image: BirminghamLive)


An elderly woman was left fighting for her life in hospital after being the victim of a distraction burglar. West Midlands Police are investigating a string of incidents where elderly women have been targeted and issued a picture of a man they want to speak with.

A man, who is believed to be posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, claims he needs to check their taps. In one shocking incident, a man assaulted an 88-year-old woman, which left her in hospital in a serious condition.

The force has issued a CCTV image of a man they want to trace. No arrests have been made and inquiries are ongoing.

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In a statement, police said: "We are continuing to appeal for your help to track down this man. Detectives want to speak to him in connection with multiple distraction-burglary offences that have took place across Birmingham, in September.

"A man is believed to have been targeting elderly women, by posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps. During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.

"We have conducted extensive CCTV enquiries but have been unable to identify him. If you see him, please call 999 immediately. Information can also be given via Live chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819240/24. Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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