Grandfather, 85, dies after 'being attacked by burglars who broke into his house'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 07:11 EDT, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 07:14 EDT, 30 August 2026 A grandfather has died in hospital months after tackling burglars who broke into his home.Gordon Nicholass, 85, was assaulted after confronting the burglars at his home in Helmshore, Lancashire, shortly before 3am on April 29.He was hospitalised after suffering head injuries and cuts to his face before being discharged.But Mr Nicholass was taken back into hospital soon after and died on August 12.In a statement his family said: 'Gordon was a wonderful husband, dad and granddad. He was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and well known for his engineering skills.'He was always there to do anything for anyone - family, friends, even strangers, you name it! Mister fix it, Jack of all trades, we will all miss him dearly.'An investigation is ongoing to decide whether the burglary assault was a cause or contributor to Mr Nicholass's death following a Home Office post-mortem.Police said the burglars caused 'extensive damage' at Mr Nicholass's home, where he lived with his wife, but did not appear to have taken anything. Gordon Nicholass died earlier this month after suffering injuries during a burglary at his home in AprilAnd officers said they believed the attack was targeted but have not yet found the offender.Rossendale Police said its major investigation team was carrying out house-to-house enquiries and checking CCTV.Detective Chief Inspector Jill Vescovi said: 'First and foremost my thoughts are with Gordon's family and loved ones. We will continue to offer them any support they need at this time.'We are working hard to try and establish who has done this and why and I would appeal to anyone with any information, however insignificant they may think it is, to come forward and speak to us.'I would ask anyone in the area to please check CCTV /Doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity, people or vehicles that may have been in the area at around the time of the offence or in the days beforehand.'