THE family of a war veteran who was beaten mercilessly in his own home appealed today for witnesses to help find the "evil people" who attacked him.

Bob Schofield, 89, was left bloodied and bruised after confronting intruders who broke into his house in the early hours of Monday morning.

Mr Schofield was at home with his wife, Mollie, 87, when the couple were disturbed from their sleep.

He was battered repeatedly in the face and head at the couple's cottage in Salterforth, Lancashire.

The couple were only discovered hours later, lying injured and bleeding on the floor, after neighbours raised the alarm.

His son, John Schofield and daughter-in law Dee, said: "We are all in a state of shock; Mum and dad are lovely, caring people who wouldn't hurt anyone.

"We can't imagine why anyone would hurt either of them and we are constantly at their bedsides.

"We echo the police request for anyone with information to come forward and help us catch these evil people."

Mr Schofield served in the Royal Navy on the notorious North Atlantic convoys bringing aid to Britain's allies in Russia.

He battled mountainous seas and enemy attack crewing escort ships on the missions across the North Sea from Scapa Flow to Murmansk.

Mr Schofield and his wife are now recovering from their ordeal in Airedale Hospital, Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Acting Detective Inspector Dave Groombridge, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are still appealing for anybody with any information to come forward.

"This is a deplorable offence and detectives will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find those responsible."

Anyone with information about the incident should call Pendle CID on 01282 472644 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.