Man, 98, suffers life-threatening injuries in attack at home

Mr Gouldstone’s son Simon said: "My Dad is housebound and requires regular assistance.

He has lived at his address for over 60 years. I was the first person that found him on Tuesday. He was in his bedroom on the floor. I noticed that he was agitated and was semi-conscious. He could not communicate.

"He had bruising on his arms and face. I would urge any members of the public that know any information about those responsible or who maybe able to help the investigation to come forward to the police as soon as possible."

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley from North Area CID called the incident “a brutal and senseless attack on a vulnerable pensioner in his own home", adding: "The level of violence used was completely excessive.

He said Mr Gouldstone spoke to a family member by phone at 2pm on November and "had not raised any concerns" and that police therefore believed the attack place in the 20-hour window between then and when he was found.

"I would urge any members of the public that may have seen any persons acting suspiciously in the vicinity of Evesham Road, Enfield, N11 to come forward to my investigation team as a priority," he said.

"I can reassure residents that patrols have been stepped up in the area and extensive efforts are being made to identify and apprehend the persons responsible."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Enfield CID via 101 quoting CAD 2140/6Nov, or by tweeting @MetCC under Operation Name 'Burrow'