Four arrests after callous burglary raid on 94-year-old's home

Edwin Green – known as Ted – got up at 5am on the morning of, Tuesday, December 22, and noticed the sitting room light was on in his home in Fifth Street, Horden.

As he shouted downstairs burglars fled the house.

The despicable thieves ransacked Ted’s home, snatching his pension money, wallet, miner’s lamp and car keys.

Two police officers soon arrived at his door after a tip off, while a distressed Ted called his daughter Sandra Hawkins, who lives just a short distance away.

Sandra, 54, said: “How somebody did this to a 94-year-old, it’s absolutely heart-wrenching.

"He’s frail and can’t walk very well, but he saw his sitting room light on and knew something wasn’t right, put the light on and shouted at them, then they scarpered.

"It hasn’t sunk in for him yet.

"All his neighbours have been around this morning, asking if he’s ok and offering hugs."

Since news of Ted’s ordeal spread, a fund has been set up by Gym 360, where grandson Jordan trains, with more than £3,400 raised.

Neighbours have also offered their support, while builders Michael Ahmed and Chris Ellison have replaced the window glass and a door for free.

His family – which includes his three children, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson – have also praised Durham County Council workers who searched for his belongings.

They workers said they wanted to help as they are Ted’s friends, as he makes them tea as they’re cutting the grass.

Durham Constabulary has arrested four people, two 25-year-olds, a 26-year-old and a 45-year-old in connection with the burglary, and they remain in custody.

Sandra added: "There are some rotten people in this world, but there are also a lot of good people out there, I want to thank every single one of them.

"Jordan’s gym has started this funding page and so many people have been absolutely amazing."

Detective Inspector Gareth Hodgson, of Peterlee CID, said: “Burglary is never acceptable, but a burglary committed against an elderly, vulnerable member of our community so close to Christmas is particularly callous.”

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe appeal.

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