A 98-year-old British World War II veteran has died weeks after being severely beaten during a violent home robbery that left his son shocked at "man's inhumanity to man".
Last month Peter Gouldstone was found lying semi-conscious on the floor of his north London home, with a head injury and extensive bruising to his body.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and remained there until his death on Friday local time.
No-one has been arrested over the crime.
Mr Gouldstone worked on phone lines for the British military in Italy during the war before working as a telephone engineer for the post office and retiring around 1980, according to his son Simon.
In more recent years the "low key, peaceful and supportive" widower had a heart condition and was house-bound, Simon told the BBC.
The Guardian UK reported it may have been up to 20 hours between the attack and the time Mr Gouldstone was found on November 6.
"I was the first person that found him," Simon said, adding the attack left him "lost for words at man's inhumanity to man".
"He was in his bedroom on the floor. I noticed that he was agitated and was semi-conscious. He could not communicate. He had bruising on his arms and face."
London's Metropolitan Police described the crime as "despicable" and said there was "clear evidence of disturbance at the property".
A number of Mr Gouldstone's possessions had been taken, including his TV.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the news of Peter's death," Detective Inspector Paul Ridley said.
"It is the worst news for his family and for all those who cared for and knew him."
Police said they were still investigating the robbery and said a post-mortem examination would be carried out.
Crimestoppers is offering a 10,000 pounds ($17,448) reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
