An 89-year-old war veteran was left bloodied and bruised after confronting intruders who broke into his house just hours after millions in the UK paid respects to those who fought and died on Remembrance Sunday.
Burglars beat up war veteran Bob Schofield, who risked his life for his country abroad, was at home with his wife, Mollie, 87, when the couple were disturbed from sleep.
Mr Schofield was battered repeatedly in the face and head at the couple's cottage in Salterforth, Lancs, in the early hours of Monday.
They were only discovered hours later, lying injured and bleeding on the floor, after neighbours raised the alarm.
Police said Mr Schofield's attackers used an "obscene" level of violence on the frail pensioner.
The former Royal Navy sailor served on the notorious North Atlantic convoys bringing aid to Britain's allies in Russia.
He battled mountainous seas and enemy attack crewing escort ships on the missions across the North Sea from Scapa Flow to Murmansk.
Mr Schofield and his wife are recovering from their ordeal in Airedale Hospital, Keighley, West Yorkshire.
Acting Detective Inspector Dave Groombridge said: "This is a deplorable offence, committed against an elderly defenceless couple in their own home.
"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.
"Even those in or 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."
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