THE SON and daughter-in-law of an 89-year-old war veteran battered by burglars said the incident has turned their world ‘upside down’ as a fresh appeal was made for information.

John Schofield, son of Bob Schofield, who was left beaten and bloodied, following a burglary in his own home three weeks ago, said his father looks like he has aged at least 10 years since the attack.

He added that it is ‘unlikely’ his father or mother Mollie, 87, who was also treated in hospital after the attack, will be home in time for Christmas.

Police investigating the incident confirmed a 16-strong team of door-to-door salesmen, remain at the centre of probe and launched a fresh appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

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

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 Scapa Flow to Murmansk, suffered severe facial injuries in the attack in the early hours of November 10.

John, accompanied by his wife Dee at a specially arranged press conference today, said the last three weeks have been ‘unbelievable.’

He said: “The impact this has had has been indescribable.

"I have never ever felt so many mixed emotions, from the evil of the offence coupled with the thanks to well-wishers.

It is extremely hard to explain just how much it has effected our family, especially mum and dad.”

“At 89 years old, after dad has serviced in the Royal Navy in World War Two and put his life on the line, then to be treated in the way in his later years - I find it despicable.

“Dad is recovering physically and getting back to his self, but mentally, time alone will tell.

“He has been a very fit man for his age, but since it happened he has aged at least another 10 years. He looks like a very old man now.”

John, whose mother is being cared for at a care home, said he does not expect the couple will be home for Christmas.

Four days after the attack, police arrested 16 men suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary before releasing them on bail pending further enquiries.

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

Acting Det insp Dave Groombridge, who is leading the investigation, said jewellery stolen from the Schofields’ home, has not been recovered.

He believes the ‘key’ to the investigation lies with the hawkers.

He added: “In particular I would like everybody to think about the week preceding the incident and if they had anybody calling, selling items for immediate purchase or if they paid by cheque it is very important that they phone the police as we would like to speak to them.”