Emma Winnall was assaulted as she slept at her home in Pensby Close, Moseley, Birmingham, some time between 9pm on April 30 and 9am the next morning, when she
was found by her carer.

At a press conference at West Midlands Police headquarters in central Birmingham, her daughter and son joined investigating officers in a plea for information to find the attacker.

"To see your Mum viciously beaten and covered in blood is the most horrific nightmare," Emma's daughter Joyce Blencoe said.

"It's broken my heart to hear my frail and defenceless mum say she was screaming for help and no one came," she said.

"So someone out there knows who did this - please come forward before they do it to someone else."

The attack, described by police as sickening and senseless, left the frail pensioner with multiple injuries including a fractured skull, a broken arm and wrist and a partially-severed finger.

She has been sedated for much of her time in hospital, where she has had metal plates inserted into her arm.

On Monday she was interviewed by specially-trained officers, who said Mrs Winnall told them she was "struggling to understand" why she was targeted.

Speaking about the attack, Detective Chief Inspector Sab Johal said: "Like the rest of us, Emma is also really struggling to understand why someone would do this to her.

"She is not a rich woman and has lived in the area a long time. From what we can tell, she was also well liked by neighbours. We need to know who did this to her."

Police said there were no signs of a break-in at the grandmother's home and nothing was stolen. A number of items were removed from the property for forensic analysis.

The detective urged: "This is no time for misguided loyalties. If someone knows who did this to Emma, they must tell us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.