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Wolverhampton pensioner dies after home theft Woman, 90, dies after burglary at Wolverhampton home
(about 3 hours later)
A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of a Wolverhampton pensioner who collapsed after thieves got into her house. A 90-year-old woman has collapsed and died after thieves pushed their way into her house in Wolverhampton.
Hester Mottershead, 90, from Saxonfields, Tettenhall, answered her door to three men posing as water board officials on Friday. Hester Mottershead was taken ill minutes after the burglary at her home in Saxonfields, Tettenhall, on Friday.
Police said they searched her home for approximately 30 minutes before leaving. Her death is being treated as murder by police, who said it was believed she suffered a stroke.
Ms Mottershead collapsed after police arrived and died on Saturday morning. Three men had entered her home after posing as water board officials and spent 30 minutes searching the house, West Midlands Police said.
Supt Mark Payne said it was thought a man knocked on the door and after Ms Mottershead opened it two other men pushed past her.
He said Ms Mottershead rang police after the thieves had left her home.
"Unfortunately when we arrived she was in some difficulty.
"The officers tried to help her and called an ambulance. Unfortunately, she was taken to hospital and she passed away of what is believed to be a stroke."
'Terrible end'
He appealed for the burglars to hand themselves into police.
"This is a tragic series of events and a terrible way for a 90-year-old lady to end her life," said Supt Payne.
"She was extremely distressed. She was a 90-year-old lady and there are very few circumstances that could be any more distressing than having three people in your house searching while you are in there."
Police said the offenders were described as three men in their late teens to early 20s, all wearing blue clothing, which were possibly work overalls.Police said the offenders were described as three men in their late teens to early 20s, all wearing blue clothing, which were possibly work overalls.
Witness appeal Forensic teams have been carrying out examinations of the scene and house-to-house inquiries are under way.
Ms Mottershead, who lived on her own, called the police at 14:32 BST and collapsed a short time later.
Forensic specialists are carrying out examinations of the scene and house-to-house inquiries are under way.
It is not yet known whether anything was taken from the house and police are advising residents to be on their guard against bogus callers.It is not yet known whether anything was taken from the house and police are advising residents to be on their guard against bogus callers.
They are also appealing for anyone who may have seen three people acting suspiciously in the area to contact them.They are also appealing for anyone who may have seen three people acting suspiciously in the area to contact them.
Neighbours said Ms Mottershead was a retired headmistress who had taught at schools in both Bilston, in the West Midlands, and Wolverhampton. Neighbours said Ms Mottershead was a retired headmistress who had taught at schools in Bilston, in the West Midlands, and Wolverhampton.
A post-mortem examination will take place to determine the cause of death.A post-mortem examination will take place to determine the cause of death.