Farmer critically ill after tackling prowlers

A retired farmer in Scotland is critically ill after being found with severe head injuries after he went searching for suspected prowlers.

Sandy Ingram was found on Saturday evening (19 June) after he went to investigate a disturbance on his property at Elrick House, Newmacher, Aberdeenshire.

Relatives said it appeared Mr Ingram, 79, had been kicked repeatedly about the head.

Grampian Police said they were searching for two men who had been spotted on the property, but could not confirm whether Mr Ingram was assaulted.

One family member, who asked not to be named, told the Press and Journal that they thought Mr Ingram was dead when they found him after the attack at 11pm.

“He was lying face down and unconscious on the ground when we saw him,” he said.

“He was taken up to hospital and he’s in intensive care. He’s in a bad way, though. He had been given a good kicking.”

Detective Inspector Richie Guild, who is leading the investigation, said Mr Ingram was in a “critical but stable” condition at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

He appealed for anyone with any information to contact the police.

“Given the location, it is likely a vehicle was used to get to the house,” he said.

“Although it is relatively isolated, people may well have noticed a vehicle using the roads around the scene, especially at that time of night.”

One of the men spotted at Mr Ingram’s property was described as wearing a light-coloured baseball cap, possibly green, with a darker peak.

The other was wearing dark clothing and had dark hair which fell almost to his shoulders.

Anyone with information can contact Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.