Nottingham: Three Masked Men Attack Pensioner in His Own Home [Warning Graphic Image]

This image of the appalling injuries sustained by a pensioner in his own home has been released in black and white only by Nottinghamshire Police because it is too graphic to publish in colour.

The 64-year-old was punched to the ground after three masked men forced their way into his house in Hucknall on 1 April.

He was left with a suspected broken nose and cheekbone and sustained a fractured hand.

His 63-year-old wife was also thrown to the ground before the men fled the scene empty-handed.

DI Rich Monk said: "We hope this picture might play on someone's conscience.

"This couple were going about their normal routine at home on a Tuesday evening when their peace was shattered by intruders.

"This man did what he could to protect his home and family, managing to throw a few punches himself. But one against three is no contest and he came off the worse for wear.

"I would appeal again to anyone who knows anything about this violent, unprovoked attack to call us.

"Did someone you know come home that night with bloodied clothes and cuts and bruises to their face? Are their injuries now healing but they are still reluctant to talk about how they got them?

"Suffice to say the offenders in this case left their victim nursing more serious wounds, ones he will continue to be afflicted by in the weeks and months to come.

"The psychological harm caused by such an intrusion may never go away."

The victim said he planned to get CCTV and a fence erected around the house after the incident.

"People like this go for those who they see as vulnerable," he said. "What concerns me most is that if they hit someone in their 80s like they hit me they could quite easily kill them.

"What if it was your elderly parents or your grandparents? If you know who did this then please call the police, so that it doesn't happen to anyone else."

If you have any information contact the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.