A PENSIONER has been killed and his older brother wounded by a burglar during a brutal daylight raid at their home. A murder probe has been launched after Howard Staff, 66, died from his injuries in hospital where sibling David Staff, 72, is recovering. Shocked neighbours told how the devoted brothers, who had worked at […]
A PENSIONER has been killed and his older brother wounded by a burglar during a brutal daylight raid at their home.
A murder probe has been launched after Howard Staff, 66, died from his injuries in hospital where sibling David Staff, 72, is recovering.
Shocked neighbours told how the devoted brothers, who had worked at the same company, had never married nor had children.
They shared a house in a quiet cul-de-sac in Wigston, Leics, and were targeted after a spate of intruders had been blighting the area.
Forensic experts today examined a drain in the street outside the brothers’ pad.
Local Graham Hougton said: “We’re stunned and horrified this has happened on our doorsteps.
“It’s such a nice, quiet area. Police have told us all to keep our doors locked.”
The retired security officer, 72, told how two neighbours had frightened off intruders several months ago which spurred locals into putting up CCTV at their homes.
He said: “A man living right opposite the brothers spotted two blokes in his garden and when he challenged them they said ‘Sorry we got the wrong house mate.’
“They were obviously up to no good. Then a woman nearby saw an intruder in her garden and called the police.”
His wife Pauline added: “No one here saw or heard anything when the brothers were attacked.
“There was no disturbance we were aware of.
“None of our CCTV captured the burglar unfortunately.
“The brothers have lived here for years but kept themselves to themselves.
“They always used to go to the pub together for Sunday lunch but latterly Howard became more housebound and David went in his own.”
The thug broke into their home at 3.45 pm on Monday and attacked the pair before stealing cash and fleeing the scene.
David was treated for injuries to his chest, but died the following day.
Friend and neighbour Peter Barton, 71, who used to go fishing with the brothers, said: “It’s awful and very sad.
“I can imagine David was trying to protect Howard.”
The retired siblings had both worked at Elequip, a local electrical generator company.
Detective Inspector Jonathan Blockley, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “This man lost his life as a result of the mindless actions of someone who entered the house and took a quantity of cash.
“Our inquiries are in their early stages and we are carrying out extensive investigations in the area of Gibson Close, speaking to residents and looking at any CCTV opportunities.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who saw anything that caused them concern yesterday afternoon.”
