This week marks the somber eighth anniversary of the assault on 80-year-old Tommy Ward in his Maltby home. On Thursday, 1 October 2015, emergency services responded to a distress call from Tommy’s residence on Salisbury Road. He was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
In the aftermath of the assault, investigators discovered that a safety deposit box containing approximately £30,000 had been stolen from Tommy’s home. Despite the resilience shown by Tommy in the months that followed, he tragically succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the attack and passed away on Tuesday, 23 February 2016.
A murder investigation was launched, leading to several arrests on suspicion of offences including murder, robbery, and aggravated burglary. However, no charges have been filed in connection with Tommy’s death.
Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, now leading the investigation, issued a fresh appeal for information. He emphasised the brutality of the attack on an elderly man and the subsequent loss suffered by Tommy’s family. Despite years of efforts, answers remain elusive.
DI Bolger urged individuals with information to come forward and assist in bringing justice to Tommy’s family. He empathised with the family’s eight-year-long quest for answers and encouraged the community to reflect on why someone would harm Tommy.
The investigation remains active, with officers regularly in contact with Tommy’s family. The detective emphasised the determination of the team to provide the family with the answers they deserve.
Individuals with information are urged to contact the police at 101, quoting reference number 202 of 28 September 2020. Alternatively, information can be submitted online via the [Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP)](https://mipp.police.uk/operation/14SY16C01-PO1).
For those uncomfortable speaking directly to the police, the independent charity Crimestoppers offers an avenue for anonymous reporting. Information can be submitted via their website, [www.crimestoppers-uk.org](https://www.crimestoppers-uk.org), or by calling their UK Contact Centre at 0800 555 111.
