A councillor has condemned a vicious attack on a man beaten with a crowbar in his own home.

The man, aged 85, was in his Tuddenham Road house on Sunday morning when a man forced his way in.

The victim was hit around the head and on the hand with the “brand new” looking crowbar after demanding money, a Suffolk police spokesman said.

While nothing was believed to have been stolen the victim was taken to hospital after the attacker fled the scene.

Tuddenham Road is in Ipswich Borough Council’s St Margaret’s ward, represented by councillor Inga Lockington.

She said it was horrible to hear about the attack and hoped all local residents would receive support from the police.

“It’s absolutely awful. It’s unbelievable anyone would hurt another human being and one of our elderly residents,” she said.

“I don’t understand how someone could do this.

“It’s horrible for elderly people because many live in their own homes and we want to make it safe for them.

“It must be so scary for them. You really feel for any elderly person who has had that happen to them.

“Anyone should be able to live in their home without being attacked by others.”

Mrs Lockington said she regarded Tuddenham Road as a safe place and but acknowledged many people now did not like to open their doors to strangers.

She added: “The victim support normally go and visit and I hope they will support them to make them feel secure in their homes. Hopefully all these people will get notified.

“When we were burgled it was between 10am and 1pm in the day time. Why does that happen?

“So many people talk about the street lights being off at night but just as much happens in day time.”

Sharron Cozens, CEO of Age UK Suffolk, said: “It is always shocking and saddening to hear of such an incident.

“Elderly people should be able to be safe and not to feel vulnerable in their own homes.

“When I hear of attacks like this I would encourage people to consider the safety of elderly family, friends or neighbours and carry out some basic security checks for them.”

Suffolk police have released a description of the suspected attacker, saying he is described as a white man, approximately 5ft 6in tall with brown coloured eyes, aged in his early 40s, had a scarf covering the lower part of his face and was wearing a dark coloured jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Katie Leckie from Ipswich police on 101 quoting reference IC/15/4024, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.