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Woman, 90, dies after burglary at Wolverhampton home | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A 90-year-old woman has collapsed and died after thieves pushed their way into her house in Wolverhampton. | |
Hester Mottershead was taken ill minutes after the burglary at her home in Saxonfields, Tettenhall, on Friday. | |
Her death is being treated as murder by police, who said it was believed she suffered a stroke. | |
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. |
Forensic teams have been 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 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. |