70-year-old farmer badly beaten after disturbing intruder
A 70-year-old Halesowen farmer suffered a broken arm, nose, and severe blood loss after confronting an intruder.
Robert Withers saw a shadowy figure outside his door and went to confront the man who told him he had stopped for a cigarette, but when the farmer challenged him further, the intruder struck his head several times causing deep cuts and severe blood loss.
The assault left Mr Withers in hospital for several days after having an operation to pin his left arm which was broken in the attack. He also had stitches to two deep cuts above his right eye and a broken nose.
Detective Sergeant Leighton Shingles said: "The farmer's injuries were so severe, that at one point doctors feared he may lose an eye. Fortunately he is making a steady recovery."
The attack took place at the cattle and sheep farm on Illey Lane at around 5am on Monday, September 8.
Det Sgt Shingles continued: "His attacker is described as a stocky white man in his early forties. He was wearing a dark sleeveless bomber jacket over a check shirt and dark trousers. He also wore a hat and claimed to come from Bartley Green."
Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information relating to the incident should contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
