An 85-year-old grandfather has died in hospital months after confronting burglars who broke into his home, an incident that left him with injuries requiring hospitalization.
Gordon Nicholass was assaulted in the early hours of April 29 at his residence in Helmshore, Lancashire, after he confronted individuals who had entered the property. He sustained head injuries and cuts to his face during the altercation and was initially taken to the hospital. After being discharged, he was readmitted and passed away on August 12.
Police reported that the burglars caused significant damage to the home, where Mr. Nicholass lived with his wife, but it appeared that nothing was stolen. Investigators are treating the attack as potentially targeted but have not yet identified any suspects.
The Rossendale Police's major investigation team is conducting house-to-house inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the ongoing investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi stated that the family is being offered support and appealed to the public for any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to assist in establishing who was responsible and their motive.
A Home Office post-mortem examination has been conducted, and an investigation is underway to determine if the assault during the burglary was a cause or contributing factor to Mr. Nicholass's death.
His family described Gordon Nicholass as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, noting his passion for motorcycles and his engineering skills. They remembered him as someone who was always willing to help others, stating, "He was always there to do anything for anyone - family, friends, even strangers, you name it! Mister fix it, Jack of all trades, we will all miss him dearly."