[01 JAN 02] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS

Man Dies Two Days After Burglary

The incident happened at New Green Park in Wyken Croft at 7.30pm on Thursday 27 December when two men forced their way into the mobile home.

The victim was bundled into the bedroom and held on the floor by one attacker while the other searched the premises. The second offender let go of the man to help with the search, at which point the elderly man got up and tried to leave.

One of the assailants then sat on the man to restrain him while the other continued to search for valuables. They then escaped with £800 in cash.

Both men are described as white, with Irish accents, both about 5'8" tall, thick set, and in their 20s or 30s.

The 79 year old victim had no visible injuries at the time. However, he was found dead at his home at midday on Saturday 29 December.

A post mortem took place the following day and the cause of death was found to be natural causes - he had a degenerative heart disease.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call officers at Stoney Stanton Road police station on 0845 113 5000.

Police would also like to hear from anyone who has come across a group of Irish men posing as gardeners who are believed to be in the area, although this was not the method used during this burglary.