'Help find attacker who did this', says attacked pensioner's daughter

This is the face of 94-year-old Emma Winnall, who was savagely attacked while she slept in her own bed.

Her daughter asked police to release the shocking image in the hope that it will persuade anyone with information to come forward.

The pensioner suffered multiple injuries including a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist, and a partially severed finger in the attack in her home in Moseley, Birmingham.

She remains seriously ill and sedated in hospital having undergone emergency surgery, including having metal plates inserted into her arm.

But she is showing signs of improvement and it is hoped she will make a full recovery, West Midlands Police said.

Detectives investigating the incident have so far been unable to determine a motive and are urging the local community to help in the hunt for the attacker.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Johal said: "It doesn't appear anything was stolen and the interior was largely undisturbed.

"We believe an implement of some sort was used during the assault. Our forensics experts are scouring the property in the hope of shedding some light on exactly what happened.

"She suffered very nasty injuries and ones which, given her age, could well have been life-threatening.

"She is showing signs of improvement in hospital. Our thoughts are with her and hopefully she will make a full recovery.

"Mrs Winnall's daughter has asked us to issue an image of her mother in hospital showing the extent of her injuries in the hope it will stir consciences and persuade anyone with information to contact us."

The victim's carer raised the alarm at 9am on Tuesday morning but the attack could have occurred at any time from 9pm the previous night.

Mr Johal added: "This is a truly sickening attack on a defenceless, frail lady as she slept in her own home.

"Mrs Winnall had nothing of note to steal.

"It was a senseless assault and I'd urge anyone with suspicions about who may be responsible to get in touch straightaway.

"The attacker may well have mentioned something to a friend or relative.

"Or perhaps someone remembers a person acting oddly that evening or the following morning.

"I'm sure the answer to this vicious assault lies in our local communities, so we're appealing for help to try and trace the offender."

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

PA