Police have released harrowing images of a 77-year-old man who was subjected to a brutal assault and robbery in his own home.
At around 4.40pm on Saturday 27 February 2016, police were called to some flats on Ashill Walk, Manchester, following reports that a man had been the victim of an assault.
When officers arrived it became clear that the victim, Alfiero Cetamore, had also been robbed.
The incident took place at around 4pm, when he let a man into the flats through the communal door.
Once inside, the offender viciously assaulted Alfiero and left him injured on the floor as he ransacked the flat, stealing his mobile phone, wallet, car keys, three gold rings and a white and yellow gold ‘Bulgari’ bracelet inlaid with 12 diamonds.
Having stolen anything of value, the offender then drove off in his Toyota Corolla, which was later discovered crashed into a wall on Caythorpe Street in Moss Side.
A 25-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody for questioning.
Detective Sergeant Mark Astbury said: “This poor man was found by a neighbour badly beaten and only semi-conscious in his flat, having suffered terribly at the hands of this offender.
“As you can see from the pictures Alfiero was beaten viciously before being robbed and it is perhaps fortunate that he did not suffer a more serious head injury, such was the brutality of the assault.
“He was taken to Salford Royal, where he was found to have three broken ribs, two lost teeth and a bruised lung.
“The car was found abandoned in Moss Side, 20 minutes after it had been stolen, and two men were seen to flee the car after the collision.
“I am still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the offender near the flats, or anyone who may have witnessed the collision in Moss Side to contact me as soon as possible.
“We may have someone in custody now, but we still need people to come forward and assist the investigation.
“Your witness account could help us achieve a successful conviction in this case, so please think of the pictures of poor Alfiero if you are considering whether to call police with information or not.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 270216/1749 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
