CARMELLA and Vitantonio Carelli have been released from hospital and are being supported by their family as police continue to hunt four men who carried out the attack.

The couple, who are in their 70s, had been at home in Cheney Manor, Rodbourne, on Sunday evening when four men forced their way in and savagely beat them in an assault which could have cost them their lives.

Cash was taken from their home during the burglary at about 6pm, and police are exploring every line of inquiry to try to trace the culprits.

Donation boxes are going to be set up in nearby shops to raise money for the unfortunate pair as a gesture of goodwill to try to reimburse some of the money taken.

Insp Martyn Sweett, of West sector, said it is essential the four men responsible are caught and issued a fresh plea for information.

“The injuries they have sustained are pretty horrific and we can see from the bruising they suffered that quite clearly this was an horrendous attack,” he said.

“It is clear that any one of those blows could have killed either party.

“I would ask people to consider how they would feel if this had been their elderly mother or father who had been attacked in this way.

“Any of us in that position would want to see these offenders caught and brought to justice.”

“Due to the extreme violence used in the attack, any information the Carelli’s can give about their attackers is slim.

“Both victims are heavily traumatised by what has happened to them, and the investigation team are working very hard in trying to obtain as much evidence as possible.

“We would hope that this is going to play on someone’s conscience.

“If anyone knows any information or may have seen four men acting suspiciously in the area shortly before or after 6pm on Sunday night we need them to come forward.

“This level of violence is excessive and extremely unusual. It is not often we see a crime where such a level of force is used during a burglary.

“With that in mind this is an isolated incident.

“There is no pattern or series that is occurring, however those four men are still out there in the community somewhere.

“That might not be locally, and that is why it is so vital we find and arrest them as soon as possible.

“Every line of investigation will be open to the team of detectives.

“We are increasing our patrols in the area and we would urge the local community to be extra vigilant.

“This was a heinous, horrific attack, and we want to catch these individuals.”

The residents of Cheney Manor have said everything possible should be done to support the couple and help them recover.

Isabella Mazzotta, 28, of Cheney Manor Road, said: “This was really shocking, particularly because it happened so early in the day.

“You might expect that to happen at midnight but not at 6pm.

“I think it would be good for them to see the local community give them a bit of support.

“At least that way they would feel comfortable coming back to their home.”

Mike Sandwell, 36, of Cheney Manor Road, said: “It’s such a shock that something like this can happen so close to you.

“It is not something I have ever seen before, not like that.

“I have lived here for 10 years now and have never seen anything like that.

“What’s really surprising is it happened so early in the middle of a main road.”

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact DC Tom Straker via non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

How you can help

You can give money to support the Carellis at the following locations:

If you are a retailer and would like to help with our appeal by displaying a collection tin, please call 01793 501310.