AN 85-year-old grandad has tragically died months after he was assaulted after confronting burglars who broke into his home.

Gordon Nicholass was attacked after bravely challenging those who broke into his property in Helmshore, Lancashire, shortly before 3am on April 29.

He suffered a head injury and cuts to his face and was taken to hospital.

Gordon was initially discharged but was admitted to hospital again earlier this month before tragically passing away on August 12.

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Cops have launched a major investigation to identify those responsible.

Detectives believe the attack may have been targeted and are working to establish a motive and the circumstances surrounding it.

Extensive damage was caused to the property during the burglary, although officers say nothing appears to have been stolen.

A Home Office postmortem examination has been carried out, but detectives are continuing to investigate whether the assault was a cause or contributory factor in his death.

In a tribute Gordon’s 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.”

Det Chief Insp Jill Vescovi, of our Force Major Investigation Team, 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.”