TV Crimewatch appeal on OAP skewer stabbing

Apr 3 2007

A 22-INCH meat skewer, used to stab a Black Country pensioner in an attack at his home, was revealed in an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch.

A reconstruction of the moments leading up to the brutal assault on 80-year-old Les Ince was broadcast last night.An X-ray showing how the skewer penetrated the pensioner's body was also released.

Police today said they had received a number of calls as a result of the new appeal. Det Chief Insp Matt Ward said: "We are looking into several lines of inquiry, but continue to appeal for information."

Mr Ince is recovering in hospital after being stabbed with the barbecue skewer on February 21 in St Ives Road, Walsall. He was found lying injured in an under-stairs cupboard.

Police believe he may have been attacked a few days before he was discovered.

Detectives still have not established a motive and say there were no signs of forced entry, or of anything stolen.

They want to speak to anyone who saw two youths at his door in the week before the attack. One is black and the other white and both wore baseball caps.

A £5,000 reward has been put up for anyone providing information leading to an arrest. Call police on 0845 133 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.