Vicious attack on 91-year-old man: Leamington man charged with GBH and burglary while victim remains in critical condition

Police have arrested and charged 38-year-old Scott Melville from Leamington - but of no fixed address - with GBH and burglary as a result of the incident, which took place in Gordon Street on Monday.

Melville has also been charged with the burglary of the Next Stop newsagents in Victoria Terrace in the early hours of Monday.

He has also been charged with robbery following an incident in High Street on Saturday 14 September at 9.40pm in which a 34-year old male sustained facial injuries and had his mobile phone stolen.

Melville was due to appear before magistrates in Leamington yesterday (Thursday) for a remand in custody application.

The elderly man, who was unconscious on his bed when he was found by relatives on Monday, remains in a critical condition in the intensive care unit at the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in Gordon Street between Friday 13 September and when the man was found injured.

Forensic investigators have been examining the scene and extra patrols were deployed to the area while officers carried out house-to-house enquiries.

Speaking earlier this week Det Chief Insp James Essex, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a vicious attack on an elderly man who lived alone.

“We do not know for certain how long he had been lying there with his injuries, so we would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in Gordon Street between Friday 13 September and noon on Monday 16 September.

“One of the key questions we need an answer to is how long the front door of the man’s home had been ajar for and we would like to hear from anyone who noticed this.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact the Major Investigation Unit on 01788 853956 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where the information can be given anonymously.