May 7 2012
A 94-year-old woman who was savagely attacked in her own bed has told police how frightened she was during the assault and was "struggling to understand" why she was targeted.
Specially-trained officers interviewed Emma Winnall in hospital on Sunday, where she is recovering after emergency surgery.
She was battered at her home in Pensby Close, Moseley, Birmingham, some time between 9pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday, when she was found by her carer.
The attack, described by police as sickening and senseless, left the frail pensioner with multiple injuries including a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist and a partially severed finger. She has been sedated for much of her time in hospital, where she has had metal plates inserted into her arm.
A shocking photograph showing the extent of her injuries was released by West Midlands Police, at the request of Mrs Winnall's daughter, in a bid to persuade anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Sab Johal said: "Officers who are specially trained in interviewing vulnerable victims such as Emma, spoke to her as she recovers in hospital.
"While the content of that interview is private, I can say that she can recall the incident and explained just how frightened she was during this senseless attack. Like the rest of us, Emma is also really struggling to understand why someone would do this to her. She is not a rich woman and has lived in the area a long time. From what we can tell, she was also well liked by neighbours. We need to know who did this to her."
Police said there were no signs of a break-in at the grandmother's home and and nothing was stolen. A number of items were removed from the property for forensic analysis.
Detective Inspector Johal said: "We have had an encouraging response to our appeal but I continue to urge anyone with information on this attack - no matter how insignificant it may seem - to come forward. This is no time for misguided loyalties. If someone knows who did this to Emma, they must tell us."
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.