Attacked pensioner dies in hospital

An 86-year-old woman who was attacked in her home by two young intruders has died in hospital.

Mrs Kathleen Roberts, a widow, had been discovered hiding in a utility room at her home in Stockton, Cleveland, earlier this week. Police believe that Mrs Roberts, who had bruising to her body, had been lying on the floor of the room for up to 24 hours following the attack, too afraid to come out.

Mrs Roberts was found by her nephew, Paul Connor on Tuesday evening. Mr Connor, 46, had gone to her home after she had failed to ring him.

Mrs Roberts told Mr Connor that she had discovered two boys in her house and they had “hurt her head”.

Mr Connor described his aunt, who had been widowed for 39 years and had lived in the same house for 60 years, as a “totally independent lady” who did all her own shopping and cooking and went to church every day.

A Cleveland police spokesperson said: “When she managed to speak briefly to her nephew last night, we felt confident she was fighting back and would eventually be able to come out of the trauma she had been found in. Her death came as a complete shock to the investigation team and although our work on this case continues unabated our thoughts are with her family.”

A post-mortem is taking place to determine the cause of Mrs Roberts’ death.

Cleveland police are continuing their investigations in the area, including house-to-house searches.

Detective Sergeant Guy Newman said: “The fact that she indicated two boys were in her home may spark recollections of people living in the area. I would reiterate our appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious over the past few days to get in touch.”

(KMcA)