A COMMUNITY has been left in shock after a pensioner suffered life-threatening injuries in a brutal burglary at his home.

Two men wearing balaclavas forced their way inside the victim's Ombersley home and searched the property before carrying out the unprovoked assault.

The victim, who is in his 70s, suffered serious injuries in the unprovoked attack, which happened on Wednesday, and was still in hospital yesterday.

Neighbours in Oldfield Lane described the attack as "awful", "shocking", and a crime that they would not expect in their street, which they said is usually quiet and only used by the residents.

Detective Inspector Chris Percival said: "I would like to reassure the community that we take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and a thorough investigation has begun.

"The victim suffered substantial injuries as a result of the assault and we are keen for anyone with information to get in touch.

"We'd also like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 10.15pm and 10.45pm as they may be able to help us.

"Any details – no matter how small they may seem – could be significant to our ongoing investigation."

Neighbours said that marked and unmarked police cars had been in Oldfield Lane, off the A449, since the attack.

Officers have also been putting leaflets through the doors, asking for witnesses to suspicious activity in the area in the time leading up to the attack.

Yesterday, police had still cordoned off the narrow lane up to the man's home and were not allowing anyone to pass through to the property.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting 889S.