Elderly couple assaulted by burglar

Intruder claimed to be police officer whilst demanding wallet

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after an elderly couple were assaulted by a man burgling their flat in Mansfield House, Manor Fields, Putney on Friday 28 July, 2006 at approx 02:30 hours.

It’s suspected the burglar gained access to the property through the bathroom window and the victims, an 85-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman, were alerted to his presence by noisy banging from the study.

The woman who is more mobile than her husband went to investigate and found the suspect searching through items on the desk. She ran off down the hallway but the suspect followed and demanded her wallet, and in an attempt to calm her, he claimed to be a police officer.

The male victim came out into the hallway and stated she did not have anything. At this point the suspect turned violent and hit the woman as he tried to wrestle the front door keys from her hands. A struggle ensued between both victims and the suspect. The woman shouted at the suspect to leave and he left through the front door.

DC Charlotte Loat said, "“The suspect is described as a slim, black man with a long face and long black platted hair, aged in his teens or early twenties, of at least six foot in height. He was wearing a dark long sleeved top, dark trousers and gloves. He is obviously violent and I urge anyone who has information on this individual to get in touch with police or make an anonymous report with Crimestoppers.”

Both of the victims sustained injuries in the brutal attack and were taken to a south London hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged. No items were stolen and as yet no arrests have been made - inquiries continue.

August 21, 2006