Tri-Service

Two Men Arrested Over Murder Of Former Soldier

Police investigating the death of a former soldier have arrested two men on suspicion of murder.

80-year-old Tommy Ward died after being attacked by burglars at his home in Maltby, near Rotherham, last year.

The attackers took his life savings of £30,000 and left the pensioner seriously injured in what police described as a “vicious attack on a vulnerable man”.

Tommy, who did National Service with the Royal Norfolk Regiment and the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, was found by his carer after he was beaten overnight on September 31 into October 1.

While he was in hospital his family released pictures of the great-grandfather fighting for his life.

Members of the public donated more than £30,000 to replace Mr Ward’s lost life savings after an online appeal.

2,250 people made donations after reading how the former soldier was left for dead with a smashed skull, broken ribs and a fractured jaw.

He died in Rotherham hospital in February.

South Yorkshire Police said: "A number of warrants have been executed this morning in the Aston, Ulley and Wales areas of Rotherham and in Hackenthorpe and Stradbroke in Sheffield, in connection to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Tommy Ward.”