Family of 80-year-old grandfather Tommy Ward in plea to find 'monsters' who brutally beat him up

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The family of an 80-year-old former soldier who was brutally beaten up by burglars has released a photo of him in a bid to find the “monsters” who committed the crime.

Tommy Ward was left for dead with a fractured skull, broken ribs and a broken jaw, after being attacked outside his home in Maltby, South Yorkshire.

The thieves also fled with £30,000 of his life savings.

Mr Ward’s index finger was snapped and he underwent a six-hour operation to staple his severe scalp wound back together.

He has not spoken since the attack nine days ago and doctors initially warned he had just a 25 per cent chance of survival after bleed on the brain, according to the Mirror.

His distressed family have released shocking pictures of Mr Ward’s injuries, pleading: “Please help find the monsters who did this to our dad.”

A crowd-funding campaign has been set up to help Mr Ward through his recovery, all the money will go directly to Tommy’s family.

Mr Ward’s life savings were stolen when the burglars stole a safe containing the cash.

Tommy, who undertook National Service with the Norfolk Regiment and the Northumberland Fusiliers, was found by his carer.

Mr Ward’s son Sean told Sky News: "He was only nine stone. Whoever did this could have just brushed him out of the way.

"They didn't have to do this. At the moment we are taking it day by day but we have been told the injuries are life-changing for him."

His daughter told the Mirror: “He must have gone through torture. Please help us find who did this. This could be your mum or dad. They are monsters.”

Police have appealed for help tracking down the safe believed to be missing from Tommy’s home.

The latest statement from South Yorkshire Police said a 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the assault has been “released with no further action”.

“Two 19-year-old men continue to help police with enquiries,” it adds.

An investigation into the incident is on-going. Anyone with information should call 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk, quoting incident number 408.