A 98-year-old second world war veteran who sustained multiple injuries during a violent robbery at his home last month has died.

Peter Gouldstone, 98, suffered serious brain bleeding and extensive bruising on his body at his property in north London.

He died in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning, the Metropolitan police said.

Scotland Yard said no arrests had been made but “a number of active inquiries are in hand”.

Gouldstone had lived in Bounds Green, near Enfield, for more than 60 years. His mobility was minimal and he required regular care.

His family had appealed for witnesses and information in relation to the robbery on 6 November, when the thieves stole a Panasonic TV and other personal belongings.

Police said “one or two” people entered the house through the back garden before taking the TV.

Gouldstone, a widower who lived alone, was semi-conscious and unable to move when he was found by his son Simon at his home.

Detectives believe that Gouldstone was attacked up to 20 hours before being found.

Simon, a retired civil servant from Barnet, told reporters his father had worked on phone lines for the British military in Italy during the second world war before having a career as a telephone engineer for the Post Office and retiring in about 1980.

He was married to his wife Joan for 65 years until her death in 2013.

Gouldstone, who also had a daughter, was being treated at a neurological unit at an east London hospital.

DI Paul Ridley of the Metropolitan police said: “We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Peter’s death. It is the worst news for his family and for all those who cared for and knew him.

“I urge anyone who has information, no matter how small a detail, to search their conscience and contact police without delay.

“I particularly want to hear from people that may have been offered the Panasonic television that was stolen, or who saw either people or vehicles in the vicinity of Evesham Road, Enfield N11 that may have appeared out of place.

“A Crimestoppers reward of £10,000 remains on offer for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this despicable offence.

“Finally, I would ask that Peter’s family are left alone to grieve and come to terms with their loss at this very difficult time.”

Police said Gouldstone had spoken to a family member on the phone on Monday 5 November at 2pm and had not raised any concerns then. They believe the attack took place in the 20-hour gap between then and the time he was discovered.

At the time of the attack last month, his son Simon said he was “lost for words at man’s inhumanity to man”.

“I was the first person that found him,” she said. “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 may be able to help the investigation to come forward to the police as soon as possible.”