Man named as probe continues into Birmingham OAP attack following series of 'distraction burglaries'
West Midlands Police want to speak to Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, in connection with a string of distraction burglaries
by birminghammail.co.uk · Birmingham LiveDetectives have named a man they want to speak to in connection with a series of distraction burglaries in which an elderly woman was seriously assaulted. A man tricked his way into the home of an 88-year-old lady in Erdington by pretending he was an official.
He reportedly assaulted her and she remains in hospital in a serious condition. West Midlands Police want to trace Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, over the offences.
They have also released a new image of him after publishing CCTV of him hurrying across a road yesterday. Police said elderly women across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull, have been targeted by a man posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps.
In a statement, police said: "We are continuing to appeal for your help to track down this man. Detectives want to speak to him in connection with multiple distraction-burglary offences that have took place across Birmingham, in September.
"A man is believed to have been targeting elderly women, by posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps. During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.
"We have conducted extensive CCTV enquiries but have been unable to identify him."
Police added: "If you see him, please call 999 immediately. Information can also be given via Live chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819250/24.
"Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."