The news of a pensioner being attacked and his life savings stolen in a raid on his home should act as a warning to other vulnerable people. The 77-year-old man was alone in his property in Coronation, near Bishop Auckland when he went outside to get coal for his fire.
He was tackled by three men, who took the coal shovel from him and hit him over the head.
He was taken into his home, pinned to the floor while two his life savings. DS Peter Lonsdale, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This is an abhorrent attack on a pensioner. It must have been extremely terrifying for the victim who was put through a horrendous ordeal.
“He is obviously very shaken by the incident but thankfully does not appear to have suffered any serious injuries. Although investigations are at an early stage, this would appear to have been a targeted raid.
“I would urge anybody who has any information to please contact us and help bring those responsible for this despicable crime to justice.”
Call 101 with crime ref 444 of January 21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE
Update to the incident in Coronation, near Bishop Auckland last weekend in which a pensioner had his life savings stolen;
Two men who had been arrested in connection with this offence have this morning been charged and are due to appear in court.
Christopher Barnett, date of birth 24/04/90 from Trimdon and Jason Hackett, dob 24/06/93 from Stockton have both been charged with aggravated burglary. They are due to appear before magistrates at Newton Aycliffe at some stage today (26th January 2017).
Police enquiries into the incident are continuing and detectives say at least one more arrest is likely.
