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War veteran dies after 'sickening' burglary

5:58am Wednesday 14th May 2008

comment Comments (60)   Have your say »

By Will Kilner »

Detectives are hunting a burglar who carried out what detectives described as a "sickening" attack at the home of a frail war veteran who died later in hospital.

George Bridge, 85, who served in the RAF during the Second World War, complained of chest pains immediately after he was pushed about during the 2am break-in at his home in Mytholmes Lane, Haworth.

Police believe that Mr Bridge, who suffered from angina and dementia, was deliberately targeted because of his vulnerability by the offender and may have died as a result of being bundled into a side room.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and results of further tests are awaited.

Police said they were keeping an open mind as to how many people were involved in the burglary and whether a vehicle may have been used.

Police recovered footage of the burglar after installing a camera in Mr Bridge's home following a burglary on January 22, 2008 when men pretending to be from the gas board got into the house and stole money.

The footage shows the burglar, wearing a hooded top and distinctive tracksuit bottoms, rummaging through a chest of drawers in the living room.

Detective Superintendent Chris Thompson, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a sickening and callous attack on a very vulnerable, frail, old man who was suffering from angina and dementia.

"He was most likely targeted because of this vulnerability. These are the worst kind of criminals. They target elderly and vulnerable people within our community and I know that all decent people are sickened and appalled by this type of offending.

"It cannot be ruled out that George died as a result of this burglary. He was clearly traumatised by the incident. He was a very proud man and a loving family man.

"He served his country in the RAF during the Second World War and continued to work hard during his life. It's particularly tragic that he should have died in this way."

Mr Bridge, who was born in County Durham, joined the RAF when he was 17 and, after the war, became heavily involved in a major building project in London.

As a joiner, he helped to rebuild the capital after the blitz, before moving north and marrying Irene in 1961. He had three step-children and eight grandchildren.

His last job prior to retirement was as a joiner for Bradford Council.

In a village synonymous as being a top tourist destination because of its Bronte links, the incident has come as a shock to residents.

Det Supt Thompson said: "This is a very quiet community and there are a number of elderly residents.

"It's an isolated incident in this area, but I would ask that local residents are on their guard and take appropriate precautions."

Police hope somebody may recognise the offender from the footage and are urging anyone with information about the burglar, which took place on at about 2am on Friday, May 2, to contact the Incident Room on (01274) 373 600 or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously and free of charge, on 0800 555 111.

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Your Say YourBradford

albion, west riding says...
6:27am Wed 14 May 08

When and if the wrongdoer is caught, he (or they) wont be dealt with in a deserved and effective manner, infact public money will probably be wasted on trying to find out why they did this, and what unfortunate circumstances in their life lead up to it, i am playing the same old record here = they knew what they were doing! they should know what to expect as a punishment, and it should be a **** sight more severe than what they will get UNFORTUNATELY.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:27am Wed 14 May 08

When and if the wrongdoer is caught, he (or they) wont be dealt with in a deserved and effective manner, infact public money will probably be wasted on trying to find out why they did this, and what unfortunate circumstances in their life lead up to it, i am playing the same old record here = they knew what they were doing! they should know what to expect as a punishment, and it should be a **** sight more severe than what they will get UNFORTUNATELY.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
6:27am Wed 14 May 08

When and if the wrongdoer is caught, he (or they) wont be dealt with in a deserved and effective manner, infact public money will probably be wasted on trying to find out why they did this, and what unfortunate circumstances in their life lead up to it, i am playing the same old record here = they knew what they were doing! they should know what to expect as a punishment, and it should be a **** sight more severe than what they will get UNFORTUNATELY.

Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:10am Wed 14 May 08

Tragic

Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:10am Wed 14 May 08

Tragic

Report this post »

Divers_uk, Bingley says...
8:10am Wed 14 May 08

Tragic

Report this post »

bradfordian, bradford says...
8:26am Wed 14 May 08

i totally agree with you albion.decent folk will all agree with what you say.not only was this gentleman a war veteran,he was a very vunerable person suffering from dementia.the cctv shows this cretin walking through the gentlemans house like he owns it.this person has to be brought to book and given a very long sentence.

Report this post »

bradfordian, bradford says...
8:26am Wed 14 May 08

i totally agree with you albion.decent folk will all agree with what you say.not only was this gentleman a war veteran,he was a very vunerable person suffering from dementia.the cctv shows this cretin walking through the gentlemans house like he owns it.this person has to be brought to book and given a very long sentence.

Report this post »

bradfordian, bradford says...
8:26am Wed 14 May 08

i totally agree with you albion.decent folk will all agree with what you say.not only was this gentleman a war veteran,he was a very vunerable person suffering from dementia.the cctv shows this cretin walking through the gentlemans house like he owns it.this person has to be brought to book and given a very long sentence.

Report this post »

Imran, Heaton says...
8:42am Wed 14 May 08

Absolutely sickening. The culprit will no doubt be a drug crazed prolific criminal who will stop at nothing to get their next fix.........its time to get tough with these people, at present the criminal justice system offers little if any deterrent....

Report this post »

Imran, Heaton says...
8:42am Wed 14 May 08

Absolutely sickening. The culprit will no doubt be a drug crazed prolific criminal who will stop at nothing to get their next fix.........its time to get tough with these people, at present the criminal justice system offers little if any deterrent....

Report this post »

Imran, Heaton says...
8:42am Wed 14 May 08

Absolutely sickening. The culprit will no doubt be a drug crazed prolific criminal who will stop at nothing to get their next fix.........its time to get tough with these people, at present the criminal justice system offers little if any deterrent....

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:21am Wed 14 May 08

This story highlight that there is a lot of scum in Bradford now who will do anything to feed there drugs habit

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:21am Wed 14 May 08

This story highlight that there is a lot of scum in Bradford now who will do anything to feed there drugs habit

Report this post »

chris, BRADFORD says...
10:21am Wed 14 May 08

This story highlight that there is a lot of scum in Bradford now who will do anything to feed there drugs habit

Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.

Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.

Report this post »

Devilsadvokat, Manningham says...
11:23am Wed 14 May 08

Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.

Report this post »

Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
11:39am Wed 14 May 08

In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.

Report this post »

Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
11:39am Wed 14 May 08

In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.

Report this post »

Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
11:39am Wed 14 May 08

In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
11:42am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.
I know its tempting, but such posts will only increase the likelyhood of this comments facility being withdrawn (as we have seen before).
Try being a little less graphic, and others may get a chance to comment.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
11:42am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.
I know its tempting, but such posts will only increase the likelyhood of this comments facility being withdrawn (as we have seen before).
Try being a little less graphic, and others may get a chance to comment.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
11:42am Wed 14 May 08

Devilsadvokat wrote:
Sickening. They should tie him up at the centre of centenery square and stone him to death, a very slow death.
I know its tempting, but such posts will only increase the likelyhood of this comments facility being withdrawn (as we have seen before).
Try being a little less graphic, and others may get a chance to comment.

Report this post »

matthew brannan, says...
12:35pm Wed 14 May 08

Gut reaction comment would be to catch him, hang the B***ard and then go looking for his family who have the same genes!!!! As a christian we need to look at why this has happened, whats gone wrong and what do we need to do to stop it happening in the future?
Education, real work opportunites, training, national service? sterilisation of idiots at birth (sorry slipped into uncaring mode) reduce poverty, provide services and community support and stop building more and more houses and no green fields for kids to play.

Going back to the uncaring side- the lad won't give a toss, won't be able to read this or may have a degree but think it is his right to steal, bully and threaten weaker people beacuse it is his right and he wants to be given the right!!!!!!! More Police, harder and longer sentences including chain gang activities, 3 strikes and out, hanging and injection deaths! oh I forgot the dealers and suppliers-business men many of these-if the culpret is found, tells who the supplier is, hang them hall, their families and strip all finances and monies in any country they live, visit and have property taken off any related family memebers who cannot show ligitamate income to have purchased the properties etc and then make them work for a living!!!

Lost the plot again sorry, but what about the sadness and family of the old guy?

Report this post »

matthew brannan, says...
12:35pm Wed 14 May 08

Gut reaction comment would be to catch him, hang the B***ard and then go looking for his family who have the same genes!!!! As a christian we need to look at why this has happened, whats gone wrong and what do we need to do to stop it happening in the future?
Education, real work opportunites, training, national service? sterilisation of idiots at birth (sorry slipped into uncaring mode) reduce poverty, provide services and community support and stop building more and more houses and no green fields for kids to play.

Going back to the uncaring side- the lad won't give a toss, won't be able to read this or may have a degree but think it is his right to steal, bully and threaten weaker people beacuse it is his right and he wants to be given the right!!!!!!! More Police, harder and longer sentences including chain gang activities, 3 strikes and out, hanging and injection deaths! oh I forgot the dealers and suppliers-business men many of these-if the culpret is found, tells who the supplier is, hang them hall, their families and strip all finances and monies in any country they live, visit and have property taken off any related family memebers who cannot show ligitamate income to have purchased the properties etc and then make them work for a living!!!

Lost the plot again sorry, but what about the sadness and family of the old guy?

Report this post »

matthew brannan, says...
12:35pm Wed 14 May 08

Gut reaction comment would be to catch him, hang the B***ard and then go looking for his family who have the same genes!!!! As a christian we need to look at why this has happened, whats gone wrong and what do we need to do to stop it happening in the future?
Education, real work opportunites, training, national service? sterilisation of idiots at birth (sorry slipped into uncaring mode) reduce poverty, provide services and community support and stop building more and more houses and no green fields for kids to play.

Going back to the uncaring side- the lad won't give a toss, won't be able to read this or may have a degree but think it is his right to steal, bully and threaten weaker people beacuse it is his right and he wants to be given the right!!!!!!! More Police, harder and longer sentences including chain gang activities, 3 strikes and out, hanging and injection deaths! oh I forgot the dealers and suppliers-business men many of these-if the culpret is found, tells who the supplier is, hang them hall, their families and strip all finances and monies in any country they live, visit and have property taken off any related family memebers who cannot show ligitamate income to have purchased the properties etc and then make them work for a living!!!

Lost the plot again sorry, but what about the sadness and family of the old guy?

Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:40pm Wed 14 May 08

Gentleman Jim wrote:
In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.
the culprits lights should be put out

Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:40pm Wed 14 May 08

Gentleman Jim wrote:
In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.
the culprits lights should be put out

Report this post »

skippy, says...
12:40pm Wed 14 May 08

Gentleman Jim wrote:
In agreement with every comment above. But more money will be spent on discovering the reasons behind this attack and rehabilitation than on actual punishment. We have been too soft too long on this and other types of crime, a cold cell with a stone bunk, bread, water and an hour of light a day is all this type of person deserves, and that is being nice.
the culprits lights should be put out

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:20pm Wed 14 May 08

Tie them up in Cenenary square and do what you want to him. No rules, no questions asked. Unfortunately it will be slap him on the wrists and be sympathetic towards his thieving ways when he is caught. There are too many in society who are do gooders earning their cash protecting this scum.

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:20pm Wed 14 May 08

Tie them up in Cenenary square and do what you want to him. No rules, no questions asked. Unfortunately it will be slap him on the wrists and be sympathetic towards his thieving ways when he is caught. There are too many in society who are do gooders earning their cash protecting this scum.

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:20pm Wed 14 May 08

Tie them up in Cenenary square and do what you want to him. No rules, no questions asked. Unfortunately it will be slap him on the wrists and be sympathetic towards his thieving ways when he is caught. There are too many in society who are do gooders earning their cash protecting this scum.

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:25pm Wed 14 May 08

PS. Want to know who the prolific burglars are in your area? They are the ones that have police at their door 3 or 4 times a day in order to disrupt them.

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:25pm Wed 14 May 08

PS. Want to know who the prolific burglars are in your area? They are the ones that have police at their door 3 or 4 times a day in order to disrupt them.

Report this post »

noel2, brighouse says...
2:25pm Wed 14 May 08

PS. Want to know who the prolific burglars are in your area? They are the ones that have police at their door 3 or 4 times a day in order to disrupt them.

Report this post »

cowboybob, Bratfud says...
2:58pm Wed 14 May 08

should hang the little b******s for what they have done ! What did he do to deserve this ?

Report this post »

cowboybob, Bratfud says...
2:58pm Wed 14 May 08

should hang the little b******s for what they have done ! What did he do to deserve this ?

Report this post »

cowboybob, Bratfud says...
2:58pm Wed 14 May 08

should hang the little b******s for what they have done ! What did he do to deserve this ?

Report this post »

its a joke, Bradford says...
4:04pm Wed 14 May 08

Why doesn't the T&A show a large version of that CCTV image to give folk the chance to recognise the scumbag involved. Someone will know who it was.

Report this post »

its a joke, Bradford says...
4:04pm Wed 14 May 08

Why doesn't the T&A show a large version of that CCTV image to give folk the chance to recognise the scumbag involved. Someone will know who it was.

Report this post »

its a joke, Bradford says...
4:04pm Wed 14 May 08

Why doesn't the T&A show a large version of that CCTV image to give folk the chance to recognise the scumbag involved. Someone will know who it was.

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
4:49pm Wed 14 May 08

yeah come on T n A, the tecnology is there, give us a decent picture yer numpties, then 'we' can find the little fe ,, chap an sort the problem right there and then !

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
4:49pm Wed 14 May 08

yeah come on T n A, the tecnology is there, give us a decent picture yer numpties, then 'we' can find the little fe ,, chap an sort the problem right there and then !

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
4:49pm Wed 14 May 08

yeah come on T n A, the tecnology is there, give us a decent picture yer numpties, then 'we' can find the little fe ,, chap an sort the problem right there and then !

Report this post »

yorkbantam, Planet York says...
5:28pm Wed 14 May 08

As someone who visits France quite often to visit the battle grounds,cemetry's and beeches in the Normandy area it beggars believe how any human been can do this to anyone let alone a war veteran, these men and women fought to bring peace and democracy to this land and for what? Can anyone imagine this generation fighting for this country at 17 years of age, they’d run the other way! These were the bravest men only to have their lives ended by the most cowardly. Once caught no doubt a playstation, mobile, pool table and some tender loving care will be on the way!! Bring back the birch or National service for these scum bags.

Report this post »

yorkbantam, Planet York says...
5:28pm Wed 14 May 08

As someone who visits France quite often to visit the battle grounds,cemetry's and beeches in the Normandy area it beggars believe how any human been can do this to anyone let alone a war veteran, these men and women fought to bring peace and democracy to this land and for what? Can anyone imagine this generation fighting for this country at 17 years of age, they’d run the other way! These were the bravest men only to have their lives ended by the most cowardly. Once caught no doubt a playstation, mobile, pool table and some tender loving care will be on the way!! Bring back the birch or National service for these scum bags.

Report this post »

yorkbantam, Planet York says...
5:28pm Wed 14 May 08

As someone who visits France quite often to visit the battle grounds,cemetry's and beeches in the Normandy area it beggars believe how any human been can do this to anyone let alone a war veteran, these men and women fought to bring peace and democracy to this land and for what? Can anyone imagine this generation fighting for this country at 17 years of age, they’d run the other way! These were the bravest men only to have their lives ended by the most cowardly. Once caught no doubt a playstation, mobile, pool table and some tender loving care will be on the way!! Bring back the birch or National service for these scum bags.

Report this post »

patty, Queensbury says...
10:31pm Wed 14 May 08

Utter scumbag/scumbags. No doubt some excuse will be found to stop him/they being locked up and the key thrown away. What price is a life worth these days, bloody nothing.

Report this post »

patty, Queensbury says...
10:31pm Wed 14 May 08

Utter scumbag/scumbags. No doubt some excuse will be found to stop him/they being locked up and the key thrown away. What price is a life worth these days, bloody nothing.

Report this post »

patty, Queensbury says...
10:31pm Wed 14 May 08

Utter scumbag/scumbags. No doubt some excuse will be found to stop him/they being locked up and the key thrown away. What price is a life worth these days, bloody nothing.

Report this post »

Maggie, New Zealand says...
2:48am Thu 15 May 08

It's 20 + years since we left Bradford. I look at T & A every day to stay in touch with events and this is the saddest, most awful article in a long time. It's hard to believe that it's the Bradford/Shipley that we remember. I hope these offenders are dealt with as they deserve!

Report this post »

Maggie, New Zealand says...
2:48am Thu 15 May 08

It's 20 + years since we left Bradford. I look at T & A every day to stay in touch with events and this is the saddest, most awful article in a long time. It's hard to believe that it's the Bradford/Shipley that we remember. I hope these offenders are dealt with as they deserve!

Report this post »

Maggie, New Zealand says...
2:48am Thu 15 May 08

It's 20 + years since we left Bradford. I look at T & A every day to stay in touch with events and this is the saddest, most awful article in a long time. It's hard to believe that it's the Bradford/Shipley that we remember. I hope these offenders are dealt with as they deserve!

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
2:13pm Thu 15 May 08

Two men have been arrested in connection with this offence, if they (one or both) are charged it will be interesting to see what punishment is issued if a guilty verdict is reached.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
2:13pm Thu 15 May 08

Two men have been arrested in connection with this offence, if they (one or both) are charged it will be interesting to see what punishment is issued if a guilty verdict is reached.

Report this post »

albion, west riding says...
2:13pm Thu 15 May 08

Two men have been arrested in connection with this offence, if they (one or both) are charged it will be interesting to see what punishment is issued if a guilty verdict is reached.

Report this post »

charlie, sheffield says...
7:34pm Sun 18 May 08

I would like to ask that people not forget this case. If possible, mail this story to your friends and family. Somebody MUST recognise the man in this CCTV footage. George Bridge was my grandfather and words cannot express my grief and anger that his life ended in this way. I will remember him always for his toothless smile and the stories he would tell about the war and about my grandmother. Please help to find the people who have taken him from us.
Charlie Johnson

Report this post »

charlie, sheffield says...
7:34pm Sun 18 May 08

I would like to ask that people not forget this case. If possible, mail this story to your friends and family. Somebody MUST recognise the man in this CCTV footage. George Bridge was my grandfather and words cannot express my grief and anger that his life ended in this way. I will remember him always for his toothless smile and the stories he would tell about the war and about my grandmother. Please help to find the people who have taken him from us.
Charlie Johnson

Report this post »

charlie, sheffield says...
7:34pm Sun 18 May 08

I would like to ask that people not forget this case. If possible, mail this story to your friends and family. Somebody MUST recognise the man in this CCTV footage. George Bridge was my grandfather and words cannot express my grief and anger that his life ended in this way. I will remember him always for his toothless smile and the stories he would tell about the war and about my grandmother. Please help to find the people who have taken him from us.
Charlie Johnson

Report this post »

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A CCTV image of the burglar raiding Mr Bridge's home War veteran George Bridge

A CCTV image of the burglar raiding Mr Bridge's home

War veteran George Bridge



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