A MAN has been arrested in connection with the brutal assault and robbery of an 89-year-old Pendle war veteran almost a year ago.

Detectives investigating the incident, which left Bob Schofield in hospital for a number of weeks, said a 23-year-old man from Nottingham has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The man was arrested in Weymouth, Dorset, by officers investigating a similar robbery, Lancashire police said.

Dorset police then contacted colleagues in Lancashire, and the suspect was brought up to the county on Friday.

He was questioned by officers on Saturday and has been bailed until December 11 pending further inquires.

Mr Schofield and his wife Mollie, 87, were asleep in bed when intruders entered their home in Chapel Hill, Salterforth, on November 10.

The war veteran confronted the burglars and was beaten repeatedly, causing facial injuries.

Mrs Schofield, who has since died, was left in shock.

Det Insp Dave Groombridge said: “This case has touched everyone who has been involved in it or heard about it and it’s one we don’t want to give up on.

"Even though it’s now 12 months down the line since the incident, we are all still extremely eager to solve this case.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 472644 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.