Police on hunt for cowardly thief after pensioner assaulted at home in Coventry

Police are appealing for help to trace a cowardly thief who crept into a pensioner’s home in Coventry and attacked her before swiping a bag and purse.

The shocking incident took place at 7.30pm last weekend on International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8) in Agincourt Road, Cheylesmore, according to West Midlands Police.

The offender smashed a rear window to climb inside but then hid in the bathroom on hearing the woman returning home with her grandson.

He waited until the man left before emerging to snatch the woman’s bag and, during a scuffle, the woman was assaulted and thrown to the floor. She suffered extensive facial bruising and a cut to the bridge of her nose. She remains in hospital and we wish her well with her recovery.

In a statement, West Midland Police said:

“It’s shocking someone could do this to one of our elderly residents − and we need to find the person responsible.”

Home invasion

The offender is described as pale skinned, in his late teens or early 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall, slim build and was wearing a dark coloured cap with cream sides, a dark jacket and light jeans.

The victim’s handbag and purse containing cash and bank cards were stolen.

The force has released images of items matching those taken and would urge anyone who has found of been offered a bag or purse like the photographs below to get in touch.

Have you found either of these items?

If you have information about this case, call 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Quote crime reference 20CV/62451K/20.