Tributes have been paid to a 'wonderful' grandfather who died in hospital just months after being attacked by intruders who broke into his property.
Gordon Nicholass fell victim to a burglary shortly before 3am on Wednesday (April 29) at his residence on Moss Close in Helmshore, Lancashire. After challenging the burglars, he was assaulted and subsequently required hospital treatment.
Head injuries and hospital readmission
The 85-year-old sustained head injuries and facial cuts. Following his initial discharge, he was readmitted to hospital and died on August 12, reports Lancs Live.
Paying tribute, Gordon'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."
Police investigation underway
A Home Office post-mortem examination into Gordon's death has taken place, though additional enquiries are underway to determine whether the assault played a role or was a contributing factor.
Rossendale Police's Force Major Investigation Team has launched an investigation and officers are working to identify the perpetrator.
Significant damage was inflicted during the break-in, although nothing seems to have been stolen. Detectives believe the incident was targeted and are working to establish both the motive and the circumstances surrounding it.
Appeal for information
A specialist team of officers and staff are working on the case and are conducting door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area as well as examining CCTV footage and following up additional leads.
Gordon lived at the Helmshore property with his wife, who alongside other relatives, is receiving support from specially trained family liaison officers from Rossendale Police.
Det Chief Insp Jill Vescovi, of the Force Major Investigation Team, 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.
"I would ask anyone in the area to please check CCTV /Doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity, people or vehicles that may have been in the area at around the time of the offence or in the days beforehand."
