An 85-year-old grandfather has died in hospital months after being assaulted when he confronted burglars who broke into his home in Helmshore, Lancashire. Gordon Nicholass was attacked shortly before 3am on 29 April, suffering head injuries and facial cuts, and although initially discharged from hospital, he was later readmitted and died on 12 August. Police believe the burglary was a targeted attack, and an investigation is under way to determine whether the assault caused or contributed to his death.

Officers said the burglars caused "extensive damage" to Mr Nicholass's home, where he lived with his wife, but did not appear to have stolen anything, and the offender has not yet been found. Rossendale Police's major investigation team is carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage, with Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi appealing for information and urging residents to check doorbell and CCTV cameras for suspicious activity around the time of the attack. Mr Nicholass's family described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and skilled engineer known for helping anyone in need.