Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BATTERED IN HER OWN BED AGE 90
Beating left Mirror reader Iris fighting for life
A WOMAN of 90 was left critically ill after being battered in her own bed by a cowardly intruder.
Gran Iris Warner was found slipping in and out of consciousness after lying injured at her home for up to two days.
After fighting for her life in hospital, the Daily Mirror reader has recovered enough to tell officers she was beaten with a weapon after waking up to a man standing over her bed. She remembers little else.
Photos released by Iris’s family show the horrific bruising to her face and body.
Son Jeffrey Warner, who found his mum on Monday, said: “We are shocked and appalled at the violence used against our mother Iris, better known as Anne to friends and family – a defenceless 90-yearold woman. It left us stunned and sickened.
“We appeal for anyone with information that could assist police to come forward. The person responsible must be brought to justice.”
The attack in Brent, North West London, comes after violent crime increased by 21% last year.
Jeffrey, 60, and sister Lesley Tranter described their mum as highly independent and active. Neighbours said she walked to the shops every day.
One added: “She’s a very proud lady. She’s a strong woman because she walks to the post office and she walks to get her paper. I know she gets the Mirror every day.”
He recalled she was also burgled last November, which left her “shaken”.
Police say Iris was attacked at some point during the 48 hours after midday on Saturday, June 2. At 10.22am that day she was seen on CCTV buying her Daily Mirror from a newsagent.
A police spokesman said: “Iris has told officers she does remember being woken up in bed by a man standing over her who she believes struck her in the face multiple times with some kind of instrument. However, she cannot provide any further description of the assailant.
“The bedroom was left in a messy manner indicating the man had conducted a hurried search but it has not been established if anything was stolen.” Det Insp Saj Hussain, of Brent CID, added: “This was a horrific attack carried out on a very vulnerable elderly woman in her own home, and must have been absolutely terrifying for Iris.”
Iris is no longer in a critical condition but is still very ill in hospital.
Anyone with information about the attack can call Brent CID on 07747 476161. Alternatively, call 101 or tweet @METCC quoting ref: CAD 3347/4June. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.