New police appeal on eighth anniversary of 'despicable' attack on 80-year-old man

Tommy Ward was assaulted in his home on Salisbury Road, Maltby on Thursday, October 1, 2015, and the 80-year-old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police discovered a safety deposit box containing around £30,000 had been taken and enquiries began to identify those involved.

Mr Ward died several months later, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, as a result of injuries he suffered during the assault.

Detectives launched a murder investigation and a number of people were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including murder, robbery and aggravated burglary.

Det Insp Matt Bolger, who is now leading the investigation, has issued a fresh appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “This was a despicable and vicious attack on an elderly man, which tragically resulted in him losing his life a number of months later.

“Despite the hard work of the investigations team over the last eight years, and a number of arrests, no-one has so far been charged over Tommy’s death.

“I would like to once again make an appeal to anyone out there that may still hold information about what happened to come forward and speak to us.

“There must be people out there who know what happened to Tommy, and have yet to tell us what they know.

“I would urge them to think about Tommy’s family who have fought for eight years to find out what happened to him.

"They are desperate to know why someone would want to harm Tommy.

“This remains an active investigation with officers in regular contact with Tommy’s family.

“The whole team wants to give his family the answers they rightly deserve, to get some justice for their loved one.

“I’d urge anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 202 of 28 September 28, 2020.”

Information can also be online via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/14SY16C01-PO1.

Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.