Elderly burglary victim dies

An elderly Shropshire man who was the victim of a burglary has died four days after the incident.

Police today said they do not believe the man’s death is linked with the raid but have appealed for witnesses.

Villagers who knew the pensioner, who was in his 80s, said he had been left extremely upset by the burglary.

The man was found collapsed at his home in Whittington, near Oswestry. He has been named locally as Bob Howe.

Neighbours alerted the emergency services on Sunday after finding Mr Howe. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Police today said a burglary had happened on Thursday. They said the elderly man was in the bathroom when the offender entered and stole his wallet from a cabinet, between 8.45am and 10am.

A post mortem will take place this week with formal identification to follow.

Constable Stuart Peters said: “The victim had left the door unlocked as he had a number of carers who came and went. We believe the offender entered and stole the wallet. Sadly, the man we believe to be the victim has passed away.”

He said a youth, believed to be male, was seen at the entrance to the cul-de-sac around the time the wallet was taken. “He was wearing a baseball cap and had long hair in a ponytail. He is described as in his teens to early 20s, scruffy and was riding a red mountain bike.

“Anyone with information should contact me on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”