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Attack on doctor was 'despicable' Attack on doctor was 'despicable'
(10 minutes later)
Intruders who attacked a 92-year-old former family doctor in his isolated County Durham home have been condemned by his family.Intruders who attacked a 92-year-old former family doctor in his isolated County Durham home have been condemned by his family.
Dr William Benson was repeatedly punched in the face when three attackers broke into his home on the outskirts of Stanley early on Friday. Dr William Benson was punched in the face when three attackers broke into his home on the outskirts of Stanley early on Friday.
Dr Benson lay injured for nine hours before he was found.Dr Benson lay injured for nine hours before he was found.
The attack was described in a statement as cowardly and despicable and the perpetrators as "not real men".The attack was described in a statement as cowardly and despicable and the perpetrators as "not real men".
The thieves demanded cash and ransacked the house during the incident, which is believed to have lasted for an hour.The thieves demanded cash and ransacked the house during the incident, which is believed to have lasted for an hour.
They must realise that their despicable behaviour is totally unacceptable to the whole of society Family statementThey must realise that their despicable behaviour is totally unacceptable to the whole of society Family statement
The retired GP, who had limited mobility having lost part of a leg in the 1980s, suffered facial injuries and was treated in hospital. The retired GP, who had limited mobility having lost part of a leg in the 1980s, was treated in hospital.
He is now being cared for in a nursing home.He is now being cared for in a nursing home.
A member of the family said in a statement: "I hope the people involved in this singularly offensive and cowardly crime never have to face anything similar happening to one of their loved ones.A member of the family said in a statement: "I hope the people involved in this singularly offensive and cowardly crime never have to face anything similar happening to one of their loved ones.
"They must realise that their despicable behaviour is totally unacceptable to the whole of society. "What a shame they are not real men.""They must realise that their despicable behaviour is totally unacceptable to the whole of society. "What a shame they are not real men."
Police described it as a cowardly attack on a man who spent 50 years serving his local community.Police described it as a cowardly attack on a man who spent 50 years serving his local community.
They are appealing for public help in catching the offenders.They are appealing for public help in catching the offenders.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Police. Their assistance will be treated in confidence.Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Police. Their assistance will be treated in confidence.