Patrols stepped up after pen-knife attack at home for elderly

DETECTIVES investigating an attack on a worker at a residential care home in Castleford fear two men may be targeting the homes of elderly and vulnerable people in the town.
The Beeches care home in CastlefordThe Beeches care home in Castleford
The Beeches care home in Castleford

A 67-year-old woman working at The Beeches care home was stabbed in the arm with a pen-knife at 6.15am on Saturday after a man forced his way in.

West Yorkshire Police say they have put on additional patrols on the area and today released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

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Detectives have also released details of another incident 20 minutes earlier at a nearby residential care home.

An e-fit image of the man police want to speak toAn e-fit image of the man police want to speak to
An e-fit image of the man police want to speak to

A member of staff at the home confronted the two men in the property’s grounds and the men made excuses before leaving the area.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen of the Protective Services (Crime) Division, said: “Due to both properties being care homes and their vicinity to one another, we are linking these incidents.

“It is particularly concerning that these men appear to be targeting the homes of elderly and vulnerable people and their motives for doing this are currently unclear.

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“We are treating these incidents extremely seriously. We have put on additional patrols in the area and are working tirelessly to identify anyone involved in this and that includes putting this e-fit out. Hopefully someone, somewhere recognises him.

“Our officers have been making other residential homes in the area aware of these incidents and we would ask people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.

“Anyone who believes they have seen these suspects or who has any information about their identities is asked to call Wakefield District CID on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency situation please call 999.”

Two men aged 25 and 28 who were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of assault in connection with the attack at The Beeches have since been released on police bail.

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Police are continuing to appeal for information about the attack at the home on Ferrybridge Road.

The victim is said to have heard a sound at the back door, but when she opened the door she was confronted by a man who forced his way in and punched her.

She screamed and as colleagues joined her, the man stabbed her in the arm with a pen-knife before running from the scene.

The woman was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries. She has since been released from hospital.