Police investigate attack that left farmer critically ill

DETECTIVES hunting two prowlers who attacked a retired farmer in the grounds of his home yesterday revealed that they were investigating a series of "suspicious" incidents in the area in the days leading up to the assault.

Sandy Ingram, 79, is said to be "critically ill but stable" in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he is being treated for serious head injuries following the assault at his home in Newmachar, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Ingram, a prominent figure in the agriculture industry in the North-east of Scotland , was attacked on Saturday night after he went outside to investigate the sighting of the two men in the grounds of his secluded home.

Detective Inspector Richie Guild, who is heading the Grampian Police investigation, said: "We've received numerous reports of suspicious activity in and around Sandy's home."