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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 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 statement | They 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, 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. |
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