Almost half a million support Salterforth war veteran (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Almost half a million support Salterforth war veteran

9:00pm Tuesday 31st March 2009 in

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ALMOST half a million people from across world have joined online groups in support of an 89-year-old war veteran who was battered by burglars.

Since Bob Schofield was left with horrific facial injuries after confronting burglars at his home in November, eight groups have been created on social networking site Facebook, with a total of 433,817 members from as far away as Australia and Denmark.

Some of the group profiles feature messages of support to Mr Schofield and his family while others urge police to find the offenders.

The detective leading the investigation said he was “warmed” by the response and made a renewed appeal for people with information to come forward.

Mr Schofield, who served in the Royal Navy in the Second World War, spent six weeks in hospital after the attack, in Chapel Hill, Salterforth, just after Remembrance Sunday.

His wife Mollie, 87, who was also in the house at the time of the incident, was not physically harmed, but was left in a state of shock.

Last year 16 men were arrested in connection with the incident, but later released without charge.

Then in February the attack was reconstructed by a BBC crew for TV programme Crimewatch.

Despite around 200 calls being received from members of the public after the programme was aired, no-one has been charged for the offence.

Members of the Internet groups have labelled the offenders “scum” and even urged capital punishment if they are caught.

Detective Dave Groombridge, of Nelson CID, said he was not surprised by the size of the response.

He added: “The appeal on Crimewatch brought a massive public response and we were so grateful.

“I’m not surprised because I have a lot of faith in the general public and I am warmed by it.

“However, I am still missing that vital piece of information, which is the identity of the offenders.

“We will never give up and still have active lines of inquiry as we speak.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pendle CID on 01282 472644 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.