Aylesbeare burglary - search for injured man

DETECTIVES in East Devon investigating a callous attack on an 88-year-old Aylesbeare woman, on her birthday, have released further descriptions of the two men they want to question.

DETECTIVES in East Devon investigating a callous attack on an 88-year-old Aylesbeare woman, on her birthday, have released further descriptions of the two men they want to question.

The police said the first man is described as being white, 5'5-5'6 tall, and of medium build.

He is 30-40 years old and does not appear to have an obvious accent.

The police believe this man received an injury when the victim hit him with a metal stick when she challenged him.

He wore black leather gloves on his hands and his face was covered by what is thought to be a hat.

The second man is described as being younger, white, 5'5-5'6 tall and aged around 20-25 years old.

Investigating officer detective sergeant Jo Hall, from Exmouth CID, said the elderly woman was still in hospital after recovering from surgery.

She said: "We are working closely with her and her family and have now been able to speak to the victim at length.

"She has told us how what she described as the 'happiest day for a long time' - her 88th birthday - was ruined when she heard someone in her hallway and thought it was her son.

"It turned out to be these burglars.

"She challenged them and struck out at one with a metal stick before she was pushed to the ground where they left her seriously injured.

"This type of crime is rare in Devon and almost unheard of in Aylesbeare. It is a close community and thankfully residents in the village do tend to look out for each other.

"We have had a number of witnesses come forward already, but my hope is that the new information regarding the suspect's injury will prompt someone in the community to tell us who this man is."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference KE/09/450.