THE daughters of a pensioner who was brutally assaulted by an intruder in his home have spoken of their horror and anger over the attack.

Widower Edwin Hopper, 70, was repeatedly struck in the face and about the head during the attack in his York home on Monday night.

Mr Hopper was found at the foot of his stairs at about 11.15pm after neighbours raised the alarm.

The father-of-five, who has 18 grandchildren, was fighting for his life in York District Hospital yesterday and detectives said his condition was so serious that a police photographer had not been allowed in to record his injuries.

Two of his daughters, Denise Kelly and Lynn Audin, were called to the house, but said they feared the worst when police officers held them back from the scene.

Mrs Audin, 41, of Acomb, York, said: "Going home that night, not having seen him, was absolutely horrific. We were all just totally stunned and then we all broke down.

"Whoever did this is either mentally deranged or they are just sick. There's no other word for it, if they could do that to an old man."

Anyone with information is asked to contact York police, on (01904) 631321.