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Det Supt Chris Thompson stands outside George Bridge's now boarded-up home

The stepdaughter of an 85-year-old man who died after his home was burgled has condemned the thief as "callous".

Sandra Brown's stepdad, George Bridge, who was suffering from dementia, was confronted by a hooded thief who broke into his Haworth home in the early hours of Friday, May 2, and later died in hospital.

The former RAF serviceman's two stepsons, Ronald and Michael Johnson, and Mrs Brown - who cared for Mr Bridge - said they were "shocked and saddened" by the incident.

Mrs Brown told the Keighley News: "I am absolutely appalled that somebody would have targeted an elderly and vulnerable person who they must have known. The family is absolutely devastated.

"I used to visit him a couple of times a week and look after him.

"I hope they catch who is responsible because I wouldn't want it to happen to somebody else."

Mrs Brown, from Idle, Bradford, said that Mr Bridge had been targeted several times in the last four months.

She said: "It is four times altogether and the police think it could be the same man every time. The first time the police installed CCTV into his home and the second time the person came back to the house and a neighbour intervened and he left.

"On the third occasion, somebody just walked into the house when me and my husband were there. I couldn't believe it. We obviously saw him off and rang the police straight away."

Mr Bridge died in Bradford Royal Infirmary, where Mrs Brown had been visiting him, a week after the burglary.

Police are asking for anyone who recognises the suspect - who was caught on CCTV wearing a hooded top and distinctive tracksuit bottoms - to come forward.

Det Supt Chris Thompson, who is leading the investigation, said: "These are the worst kind of criminals. They target the elderly and the vulnerable within our communities and I know that people are sickened and disgusted by this type of offence.

"This was a callous attack on a very vulnerable, frail old man who was suffering from angina and dementia.

"It cannot be ruled out that Mr Bridge died as a result of this burglary."

Det Supt Thompson said police installed CCTV after the first burglary on January 22 when men posing as gas workers stole money.

He added: "It is an isolated incident in this area. However, I would ask that residents are on their guard and that they take protective measures." Mr Bridge helped to rebuild London after the Blitz when he left the RAF in 1946.

Born in County Durham, he worked as a joiner for Bradford Council for 20.

He brought up his three children alone following the death of wife Irene.

Anyone with information should contact the police incident room on 01274 373600 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

FRIENDS have revealed their shock at George Bridge's death.

June Jordan, 79 - who used to dance with Mr Bridge when he was in the RAF - said he was a quiet and inoffensive man.

She said: "I have known him since I was 16. He was a brilliant dancer, we used to do the waltz and quick step at the old institute.

"I am concerned now. I sleep with a knife under my bed. I have double locks on both doors but if they are going to get in, they are going to get in."

Barry and Joyce Price, who also live in Mytholmes Lane, knew Mr Bridge for more than 30 years and used to pick up his shopping.

Mr Price, 77, said: "We are worried now. Since this happened we keep the doors locked all the time and keep them double locked. He was the kind of chap who would do anything for anybody."

Mrs Price, also 77, said: "He loved gardening and he used to have a tan-coloured Labrador called Cindy who he used to dote on."

The vice-chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council, Councillor Peter Hill, lives doors away from Mr Bridge.

He said: "Haworth is as safe a place to live as anywhere and it is unfortunate that this has happened. I would be surprised if this chap (the burglar) wasn't successfully identified."

8:05am Thursday 15th May 2008

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