POLICE have released pictures of the appalling injuries suffered by an elderly Halesowen farmer as part of a renewed bid to trace his attacker.

Robert Withers almost lost his right eye when he was viciously beaten after disturbing an intruder at the Illey Lane farm two weeks ago.

The 71-year-old also suffered a broken arm which had to be operated on and pinned, a broken nose, cuts above his eye and to his head after being struck several times after challenging the man whom he spotted lurking outside his door at about 5am on Monday September 8.

Police said Mr Withers lost a considerable amount of blood and spent fourl days in hospital. He also suffered smaller cuts and bruises to his face, arms and left knee and is now said to be making a "steady recovery"".

He had seen a "shadowy figure" outside the door at his cattle and sheep farm and when confronted, the man claimed to have stopped to light a cigarette. But Mr Withers challenged him further and the intruder battered him over the head with what is thought was an iron bar.

Detective Sergeant Leighton Shingles said: "The farmer’s injuries were so severe, that at one point doctors feared he may lose an eye. Fortunately, he is making a steady recovery.

"His attacker is described as a stocky white man in his early 40s. He was wearing a dark sleeveless bomber jacket over a check shirt and dark trousers.

"He also wore a hat and claimed to come from Bartley Green."

Detectives have scoured CCTV in the area, an extract of which is now being released, and have spoken to neighbours but the offender remains untraced.

DS Shingles added: "We are appealing to anyone who may have seen this man acting suspiciously in the area to contact us as soon as possible."

He can be contacted on 101 or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.