An ex-soldier was brutally attacked outside his home in Eccles after he disturbed a gang of burglars raiding his home – before they made off with his late wife’s wedding ring.
Adrian Peter Percival was attacked after returning home from a night out at around 10.30pm on September 13.
As he placed his key in the front door, he was assaulted from behind by a masked man before two accomplices wearing balaclavas then joined in the assault.
The 59-year-old former Royal Fusilier suffered severe bruising after he was punched, kicked and stamped on outside his home on Trafford Road in Eccles.
The reason for the savage attack is believed to be because he disturbed the offenders as they were coming down from a ladder they had used to break into his property.
He later discovered the thieves had made off with a green metal box containing cash he had saved to visit his son in Latvia; a Manchester United gold centenary medal with a gold chain; and a gold Irish wedding band which belonged to his late wife.
In addition to the financial loss from the stolen cash, which leaves him now unable to visit his son abroad, the sentimental value of the ring makes it truly irreplaceable.
He is currently recovering from severe bruising, swelling and suspected broken bones to his face, as well as injuries to his torso and legs and substantial bruising to his right lung.
WICKED ACT: The victim suffered bruising, swelling and broken bones in the attack
Detective Constable Horace Bell said: “This poor man has suffered tremendously at the hands of these absolute cowards, who have cruelly deprived him of the things he holds most dear.
“They stole his late wife’s wedding ring which is an appalling and wicked act. But not content with that, they also stole cash he had saved up to pay to visit his son in Latvia. It would be hard to describe the anguish he is currently going through and I’m sure people’s hearts will go out to him.
“This man served his country with distinction, fighting to protect others, only to be savagely beaten by three vindictive, violent and disrespectful low-lives who deserve to be locked up.”
Although he was only able to get a fleeting glance at his assailants, one of the offenders is described as being of a stocky build, 6ft tall and wearing dark clothing.
Another was of a slimmer build and also wearing dark clothing.
APPEAL: Police want anyone with information about the attack to come forward
Detective Constable Bell added: “I would appeal to anyone who has information about this burglary and assault to come forward.
“In particular, I would ask that if anyone is offered these pieces of jewellery that they call us immediately as you could be being offered this man’s wedding ring.
“The very least he deserves is to be reunited with the possessions he treasures most and a physical memento of his late wife.
“I would also hope that if the thieves are reading or hearing this appeal, that they too show a shred of decency and at the very least hand this ring into a local police station and spare this man’s heartbreak.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
