By Andrew Clarke

Last updated at 09:28, Tuesday, 06 November 2012

THESE are the horrifying injuries that two masked thugs inflicted on a terrified pensioner when they assaulted her during a burglary at her Whitehaven home.

The two men, wearing balaclavas, forced their way into the 78-year-old’s home on Whinlatter Road, at 1.20am on Wednesday.

They burst into her bedroom threatening her and demanding money. They grabbed the widowed pensioner by the arm and pushed her, leaving her with cuts and bruises.

The thugs then stole cash and valuables, including sentimental jewellery items.

Police today released pictures of the woman’s injuries in the hope witnesses will come forward. The woman was said to be shaken up and shocked by the attack, but the detective leading the investigation has called her “remarkably resilient”.

Detective Chief Inspector Keith Capstick said: “Fortunately incidents like this are rare and we are committed to bringing both men who were involved in this incident to justice and we seek help from the local community to help us trace both attackers.”

He added that the men may have been in the area in the days leading up to the incident.

“I appeal to anyone who thinks they may know the person who did this, this elderly woman could have been your relative who was attacked, any information provided will be held in the strictest confidence,” he said.

Following the attack, a 25-year-old Whitehaven man was arrested but has been released without charge.

Anyone with information should contact Workington CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

• Detectives in Workington have arrested two Whitehaven men on suspicion of robbery in connection with the assault on the 78-year-old woman.
  
  The men, one aged 35, the other aged 41, were arrested on Monday and have been released on bail until December 5.

First published at 09:21, Friday, 02 November 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk