Two held over attack on pensioner

A man and woman arrested in connection with an attack on a 93-year-old pensioner who was severely beaten in her own home remained in police custody.

Emma Winnall is believed to have been assaulted in her own bed at her home in Moseley, Birmingham between 9pm on April 30 and 9am the following morning, when she was found by her carer.

A woman, 56, and a 28-year-old man, were arrested at their home in the Hall Green area of Birmingham by officers from West Midlands Police just before 6.30am on Thursday. They are being held in police station in the West Midlands on suspicion of assault.

The force said the dawn arrests were made after routine police inquiries and were not a result of information from the public.

A spokesman said Mrs Winnall, who suffered horrific injuries including a fractured skull and a partially severed finger, as well as a broken arm and wrist, remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Despite the developments, police urged anyone with any information to contact West Midlands Police on 101. A reward of up to £5,000 has been offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers for anyone who contacts them on 0800 555 111 or via their website and provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the pensioner's attacker.

Last week Mrs Winnall's daughter issued an emotional appeal for information.

Joyce Blencoe said: "It's broken my heart to hear my frail and defenceless mum in hospital manage to say she was screaming for help and no one came. To see your mum viciously beaten and covered in blood is the most horrific nightmare."

At the same media conference, Detective Chief Inspector Sab Johal said the "horrific" attack was a "unique offence".

Police have previously said the motive for the attack remains unclear, and they believe nothing was stolen.