A 94-year-old Birmingham woman was beaten up in her Moseley home as she slept in her bed, police have reported.
Emma Winnall, from Pensby Close, was assaulted on Monday night in an attack which left her with a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist, partially severed finger and other multiple injuries.
Police reported that she was seriously ill in hospital having undergone emergency surgery, including having metal plates inserted into her arm.
Detectives investigating the incident have so far been unable to determine a motive for the attack.
West Midlands Police Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Johal, said: "It doesn't appear anything was stolen from the lady's home and the interior was largely undisturbed.
"We believe an implement of some sort was used during the assault – our forensics experts are scouring the property in the hope of shedding some light on exactly what happened.
"She suffered very nasty injuries and ones which, given her age, could well have been life threatening. She is showing signs of improvement in hospital; our thoughts are with her and hopefully she will make a full recovery.
"Mrs Winnall's daughter has asked us to issue an image of her mother in hospital showing the extent of her injuries in the hope it will stir consciences and persuade anyone with information to contact us."
The victim's carer raised the alarm at 9am on Tuesday but the attack could have occurred at any time from 9pm the previous night.
Det Chief Insp Johal added: "This is a truly sickening attack on a defenceless, frail lady as she slept in her own home. Mrs Winnall had nothing of note to steal…it was a senseless assault and I'd urge anyone with suspicions about who may be responsible to get in touch straight away.
"The attacker may well have mentioned something to a friend or relative…or perhaps someone remembers a person acting oddly that evening or the following morning.
"I'm sure the answer to this vicious assault lies in our local communities so we're appealing for help to try and trace the offender."
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on the 101 number or the independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.
