POLICE have launched a manhunt for a burglar who dragged a Bretforton man from his bed and severely beat him, leaving him seriously injured.

Detectives this week released a photograph of Gordon Kenneth How who has been charged in connection with the incident but who failed to appear in court.

They believe he may now have left the Evesham area where he was living at the time of the attack.

The victim - who has not been named - was in bed at his home in Bretforton on October 3, 2004 when two men forced open the front door.

"They then dragged the man from his bed and beat him on the head and body with an unknown instrument, leaving him seriously injured," said police spokesman Richard Bull.

Another man alleged to have been present at the time of the attack has not been named for legal reasons.

sHow, who comes originally from the Portsmouth area, was charged on December 14, 2004 with burglary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawfully and maliciously wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The trial was due to be held at Hereford Crown Court, but How failed to attend and an arrest warrant was issued.

Police said that if anyone spots 48-year-old How they should call 999 and not approach him.

Police can be contacted on 08457 444 888 or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

s Police have launched a manhunt for Gordon Kenneth How after he failed to appear at Hereford Crown Court charged with burglary with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawfully and maliciously wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.