Blackpool man arrested after two pensioners stabbed in separate aggravated burglaries in Poulton

Police were called by the ambulance service to a report a 94-year-old man had been attacked at an address on Wyresdale Avenue shortly after 8.20pm on Sunday (August 16).

The victim was asleep in his home when he woke up to find a man standing over him demanding money.

When the victim refused to hand over any cash the offender slashed the man with a knife before leaving the scene on a bike.

Detectives say they believe the 'violent' attack could be linked to another aggravated burglary in which an 89-year-old man was stabbed in his home in Stanley Avenue last Tuesday (August 11).

Officers have confirmed a 35-year-old man from Blackpool has been arrested in connection with both crimes, but they are still appealing to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously before either of the incidents to come forward.

Chief Insp Marie Haworth, of Blackpool Police, said: "Both incidents are deplorable crimes and elderly residents have been attacked in their own homes. Someone out there may know who is responsible and I would appeal to anyone who has information to contact the police.

"We have a dedicated team of detectives working on these cases and also have an increased number of high visibility uniformed officers patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the public and to the residents of Poulton.

"Thankfully these incidents are rare but when they do happen they are particularly nasty incidents when members of the public have been attacked in their own homes, which is why I'm asking for members of the public and residents to make sure their houses are secure by closing and locking their windows and doors."

Both men were taken to hospital with "significant injuries" following the violent attacks, but police have confirmed they are recovering.

Det Insp Steve Harry, of Blackpool Police, said: "The level of violence is obscene and extremely concerning and it is only a matter of luck that the victim’s injuries are not more serious.

"It’s hard to imagine a more heartless, cowardly and despicable crime and detectives will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find those responsible.

"I appeal to anyone with knowledge of the offence or the identity of the offenders to come forward. Even those in or on the periphery of crime cannot surely condone this behaviour and I particularly appeal to the criminal fraternity to call time on this and do what is right."

Anyone with information that may help police with their enquiries have been urged to contact police on 101, quoting log reference number 1738 of August 16.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org