Fury after West Bromwich burglar breaks pensioner's arm - for just £40
Residents and a councillor have reacted with horror after a pensioner suffered a broken arm after being attacked in his own West Bromwich home by a fake water board official
The thief tricked his way in to the house saying the water supply would be switched off if checks were not carried out.
But as soon as he was inside the conman started scouring the home for valuables. And after he found nothing he attacked the pensioner - only stopping when the 80-year-old victim offered £40 from his wallet.
Police have now released CCTV images of a suspect they are hunting after the assault.
Det Sgt Wayne Dudley urged members of the public to come forward if they had any information about the 'horrific' incident.
He said: "Distraction burglaries are truly despicable offences.
"However in this instance an elderly man was also seriously assaulted by the offender.
"It was understandably a horrific ordeal for the victim who suffered a number of injuries including a broken arm, cuts and bruises not to mention the lasting psychological impact of such a crime."
West Bromwich Central ward councillor Bawa Dhallu said he was disgusted by the incident.
He reiterated the need for people to help identify the culprit.
Councillor Dhallu said: "This is terrible to hear and we need to track down the person did this.
"It is bad enough but even worse that he has attacked an old man.
"We can't leave people like this outside as he could attack other people.
"It's really important that man is caught.
"If anyone knows this person or has any information then they need to get in touch with the police."
The suspect can be seen wearing jeans, a blue sweater and an orange high visibility jacket in the images released by police.
His actions have come under fire online, with some social media users branding him 'scum'.
Facebook user Gina Iddles posted: "Absolute scum of the earth."
Maureen Clark called it 'a despicable act of cowardice - I hope he is found'.
The crime happened at around 4.20pm on September 16.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Sgt Dudley on the non-emergency number 101, using extension 811 3102.
The crime number to give is 20SW/181096U/16.
