Tributes after ex-soldier Tommy Ward dies five months on from brutal attack

Messages of condolence flooded in for the ex-soldier from Maltby, who had been in hospital since being serious injured in the attack at his home in Salisbury Road last October.

He died at Rotherham Hospital on Tuesday with his family at his bedside, said former Manor Hotel landlord Glyn Lynam, who has acted as a spokesman for the family.

“The soldier in him, gave him the strength to fight to the end,” said Glyn.

“Now I think it's time to catch those responsible.

“If you know anything no matter how little you think it may be, please get in touch with the family or police,

“We need closure on this, and the only way to get that, is to catch the animals that did this too him..

“The family would like to thank everyone for all the support and lovely messages along the way, it meant a lot and was really touching.”

A police spokeswoman said a post-mortem examination would be carried out over the coming days to determine the formal cause of death.

“A substantial amount of money is believed to have been taken from Mr Ward's home, along with a safety deposit box, when the incident happened,” she said.

“A box similar to the one that was reported stolen was recovered in the Kilnhurst area of Rotherham around two weeks later.”

Det Chief Inspector Vicky Short said: “The police investigation surrounding what happened is very much ongoing and officers would still like to speak to witnesses, or anyone who has information about what happened.

“I urge anyone who has even the slightest piece of information to come forward and tell us what you know.”

If you recall any information that could help officers, please call 101 or email [email protected], quoting incident number 408 of 1 October 2015.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two 19-year-old men arrested in January on suspicion of attempted murder and burglary were released with no further action.