Man, 85, dies months after burglars beat him in his own home in a 'targeted' attack

Gordon Nicholass was attacked by intruders who broke into his Helmshore, Lancashire home at 3am on April 29, leaving him with facial lacerations and wounds to his head. He was initially discharged from hospital but later readmitted and died on August 12; a Home Office post-mortem is now under way to establish whether the assault caused or contributed to his death.

Police believe the attack was 'targeted' but no offender has been found four months on.

Burglars caused 'extensive damage' to the home Nicholass shared with his wife but took nothing.

His family called him a 'mister fix it, Jack of all trades' who would do anything for anyone.