THE family of a war veteran brutally beaten by burglars in his own home have thanked the public for their messages of support.

Bob Schofield, 89, was attacked after confronting intruders who had broken into his home in Chapel Hill, Salterforth, as he and his wife Mollie were sleeping.

Police said that the couple, who are both recovering from their ordeals, had received messages from wellwishers from across the country and the family wanted to issue their thanks.

The war veteran, who served in the Royal Navy and fought during World War Two, crewing escort ships on the North Atlantic convoy missions from Scarpa Flow to Murmansk, suffered severe facial injuries in the attack in the early hours of Monday morning.

He is currently being treated in Airedale Hospital in Steeton, near Keighley.

Mrs Schofield was not physically injured, but was left in a state of shock and is currently being cared for at a nearby care home.

Police said Mr and Mrs Schofield’s conditions are improving.

Earlier today police released 16 men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary on police bail pending further enquiries.

The men, who are aged between 17 and 55, are all members of a door to door sales team from Blackpool who were believed to have been working in Salterforth recently.

They were arrested on Friday in Blackpool and questioned at police stations in Blackburn and Burnley..

Detective Inspector Dave Groombridge said: “This is a planned policing operation made in connection with one of a number of active lines of inquiry.

“Information gleamed will be carefully analysed and further action may result.

“Two of the detained men are wanted for other matters and will be escorted to other parts of the UK.

“The police will continue to actively pursue all avenues of investigation."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Nelson CID on 01282 472618 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.