Pensioner batters intruder with pair of crutches

Police have praised the bravery of an 81-year-old woman who battered an intruder with a pair of crutches.

The plucky pensioner was also able to give officers a detailed description of the offender, who forced his way into her home in Solihull, West Midlands, on February 22.

Although the thief managed to escape with £110 from the victim's purse, he was forced to flee after she used her crutches to hit him around the head.

The man, who struck at about 1.30pm, is described as in his early 20s, 6ft, clean-shaven, with short black hair, and a distinctively large nose.

He was wearing a calf-length overcoat, which was dark navy or black, and spoke in a foreign language.

Detective Constable Lucinda Wilson, from Solihull Police, said: “The victim was extremely brave in trying to fight off the offender, but she's understandably been left terrified by the whole ordeal.

“I want to hear from anyone who saw the offender running away from the house on Walsgrave Road or who knows anything about who may be responsible.

“We're following up several lines of inquiry but we really need crucial witnesses to come forward to help us find the offender.”

PA