Son 'lost for words' over violent attack on 98-year-old widower

The son of a 98-year-old widower violently attacked and robbed in his own home has said he is "lost for words at man's inhumanity to man".
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Nov 2018, 13:07 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2018, 14:11 BST
Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitian Police of Peter Gouldstone in a hospitial bed after he was attacked and robbed in his own home.Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitian Police of Peter Gouldstone in a hospitial bed after he was attacked and robbed in his own home.
Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitian Police of Peter Gouldstone in a hospitial bed after he was attacked and robbed in his own home.

Peter Gouldstone is fighting for his life in hospital with "extremely severe injuries" after suffering two bleeds on the brain, Detective Inspector Paul Ridley told reporters on Wednesday.

Simon Gouldstone, 67, said he found his father in a "semi-conscious state" in his bedroom of his house in Evesham Road, Enfield, north London, on Tuesday morning after the back door was broken in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The former civil servant, who was alerted by a neighbour, told reporters: "I smelt a rat because the house was very cold, he was in amongst quite a lot of turmoil.

Simon Gouldstone speaking to the media outside Edmonton police station after his father Peter Gouldstone was attacked and robbed in his own home.Simon Gouldstone speaking to the media outside Edmonton police station after his father Peter Gouldstone was attacked and robbed in his own home.
Simon Gouldstone speaking to the media outside Edmonton police station after his father Peter Gouldstone was attacked and robbed in his own home.

"He couldn't communicate, he had bruising on his arms and face.

"I don't know how they can live with themselves. Examine your consciences. The sooner they're locked up the better."

Mr Gouldstone said his father, who has lived at the house for more than 50 years, was a former telephone engineer who worked for the Post Office before retiring around 1980.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His wife of 65 years Joan died several years ago and the couple also had a daughter, he added.

"As a member of the family I'm shocked, as a member of the human race I'm lost for words at man's inhumanity to man I'm afraid," he said when asked about the attackers.

Several elderly neighbours spoke of their shock and concern following the incident on Wednesday.

Pio Gomes, 78, said Mr Gouldstone was rarely seen outside since his wife died.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "After that he wouldn't come out much, I used to take his bins out for him because he wasn't steady.

"His son Simon used to come round and take him out, take him shopping.

"Of course it affects you because it's worrying. It's callous, who could have done this to an old man like him?"

A black Panasonic 26in TV was stolen from the house along "with a number of other items", police said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The attack took place in a 20-hour window between 2pm on November 5 and when he was discovered, but officers believe it was most likely under cover of darkness.

DI Ridley said: "This was a brutal and senseless attack on a vulnerable pensioner in his own home.

"He was left helpless and seriously injured at the address all alone.

"It was only due to a member of the public noticing damage to the property that the alarm was raised.

"If this member of the public had not intervened then it's almost certain Mr Gouldstone would have succumbed to his injuries."

He urgently appeared for any witnesses to come forward.

Related topics:London