85-Year-Old Grandfather Dies After Confronting Burglars at His Home

A grandfather has died after confronting burglars who broke into his home in the early hours of the morning.

Gordon Nicholass, 85, was the victim of a burglary at his home in the village of Helmshore, Lancashire, at around 3am on April 29.

When Mr Nicholass confronted the burglars, he was assaulted and suffered head injuries and cuts to his face. He was taken to hospital and later discharged, but was subsequently readmitted and died on August 12.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out, while further inquiries are under way to establish whether the assault was a cause or contributing factor in his death.

Lancashire Constabulary has launched an investigation and is working to identify those responsible.

Detectives believe the burglary was targeted and are trying to establish a motive. Extensive damage was caused during the break-in, although nothing appeared to have been stolen.

Paying tribute to Mr Nicholass, his family said: "Gordon was a wonderful husband, dad and granddad. He was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and well known for his engineering skills.

"He was always there to do anything for anyone – family, friends, even strangers, you name it! Mister Fix It, Jack of all trades, we will all miss him dearly."

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi said: "My thoughts are with Gordon's family and loved ones. We will continue to offer them any support they need.

"We are working hard to try and establish who has done this and why, and I would appeal to anyone with any information, however insignificant they may think it is, to come forward and speak to us.

"I would ask anyone in the area to please check CCTV and doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity, people or vehicles that may have been in the area around the time of the offence or in the days beforehand."

E&K Solicitors