An 85-year-old grandfather who was injured while confronting a burglar breaking into his house has died, police have said. Gordon Nicholass was attacked overnight in the village of Helmshore, Lancashire, on April 29. He was taken to hospital with a head injury and cuts to his face and discharged, but returned earlier this month.
Family tribute
Rossendale Police said on Friday that he died on August 12. In a tribute shared by the force, Mr Nicholass's family said: "Gordon was a wonderful husband, dad and granddad. He was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and well known for his engineering skills.
"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."
Investigation underway
Police said a post-mortem has been completed, but more enquiries are underway to try and establish if the attack caused or contributed to his death. An investigation has been launched by police to track down the culprit, who police said doesn't appear to have taken anything.
Rossendale Police said "extensive" damage was done to the property in Helmshore which Mr Nicholass shared with his wife. Officers believe it may have been a targeted attack and are trying to work out a motive and the exact circumstances.
Appeal for information
Det Ch Insp Jill Vescovi said: "First and foremost my thoughts are with Gordon’s family and loved ones. We will continue to offer them any support they need at this time."We are working hard to try and establish who has done this and why and I would appeal to anyone with any information, however insignificant they may think it is, to come forward and speak to us."
She asked anyone in the area to check CCTV and doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity, people or vehicles which may have been in the area around the time of the offence or in the days leading up to it. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 0126 of April 29. You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
