Elderly Birmingham woman attacked while asleep in bed Published duration 4 May 2012

image caption Emma Winnall, 93, is in a serious condition in hospital

An elderly woman has been badly beaten while she was sleeping in her bed at home in Birmingham.

Emma Winnall, 93, from Pensby Close in Moseley, suffered a fractured skull, broken arm and wrist and a partially severed finger.

She is seriously ill in hospital having had emergency surgery, including having metal plates inserted into her arm.

West Midlands Police say the "sickening attack" happened between 21:00 BST on Monday and 09:00 BST on Tuesday.

'Implement used'

Detectives said the motive for the assault was not clear.

Det Ch Insp 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 and our forensics experts are scouring the property in the hope of shedding some light on exactly what happened."

image caption Mrs Winnall was found by her carer on Tuesday morning

Mrs Winnall was found by her carer on Tuesday morning.

Her daughter asked the police to release a picture of her injuries in the hope it will prompt anyone with information to get in touch.

Det Ch Insp Johal added: "This is a truly sickening attack on a defenceless, frail lady as she slept in her own home.

"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.