Mystery over motive for savage attack on woman, 94, in bed

Emma Winnall suffered multiple injuries including a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist and a partially severed finger in the attack, which is believed to have taken place in her home in Pensby Close in Moseley, Birmingham, overnight on Monday.

The pensioner remains seriously ill and sedated in hospital having undergone emergency surgery, including having metal plates inserted into her arm, West Midlands Police said.

She is showing signs of improvement and it is hoped she will make a full recovery, the force said.

Detectives investigating the incident have so far been unable to determine a motive for the attack and are urging Birmingham’s communities for help to trace the person who sneaked into her home and carried out the attack.

West Midlands Police Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Johal said: “It doesn’t appear anything was stolen from the lady’s home 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 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 straight away.

“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.”