Police hunting violent robbers

DETECTIVES hunting violent robbers, who attacked pensioners in their own homes, are renewing appeals for information.

The investigation links three attacks which occurred in Hadlow Down on November 6, Nutley on September 25 and the latest one in Ditchling on November 19.

Cash was taken in each case, together with shotguns in the latter two offences.

On each occasion elderly occupants were left shocked and shaken.

In the Hadlow Down attack, William Skipper, 77, was hit several times with a blue handled claw hammer during a sustained attack from two assailants.

He and his wife suffered significant cuts and bruises and both were taken for treatment at the Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells.

Det Ins Dave Wardley-Wilkins of Sussex Police's major crime branch is leading the enquiry.

He said: "These are three very serious incidents. We have linked them due to a number of common factors, including the type of people targeted and the methods used by the offenders.

"We believe they targeted the addresses in expectation of finding substantial amounts of cash."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of the attacks , or who has any other information about them, no matter how small it may seem,, should ring 0845 60 70 999, quoting Operation Otham.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.