Mother, 38, murdered in ‘botched burglary’
MURDER squad detectives believe burglars may have targeted a businessman’s wife who died after being assaulted in her home.
Officers said 38-year-old Sarbjit Kaur’s body was discovered after raiders had broken into the £300,000 house and fled with the family’s belongings.
The mother-of-two died after being found unconscious by relatives at their four-bedroom detached home in leafy Penn, Wolverhampton.
Tragedy
Her husband Gurpreet Singh, 42, and their children were being comforted by police family liaison officers yesterday.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Mallett, of West Midlands Police, said the tragedy may have been the result of a botched burglary.
“Mrs Kaur was attacked inside her home,” he said.
“The interior was in an untidy state – which could indicate it had been searched – and we believe that some items are missing. We are investigating several lines of inquiry, including whether this was a random burglary or if the address or Mrs Kaur was deliberately targeted.”
A post-mortem examination was unable to identify the precise cause of death and further tests will be carried out by a pathologist.
DCI Mallett added: “This is a shocking case, the likes of which are extremely rare. We have a team of officers working on this murder inquiry to establish what happened and to find those responsible.
“The motive so far is unclear and I’m keeping an open mind as regards the circumstances.”
Mrs Kaur’s body was found at 4pm on Friday.
Forensic officers spent the weekend in the property and detectives have carried out door-to-door inquiries and examined CCTV footage. Police warned nearby residents to be vigilant about home security.
A shocked neighbour said yesterday: “The burglars wait for you to go to work and then they break in from the side gate or the back.
“I don’t know if this area is being targeted but it is a bit worrying.”
Another neighbour added: “I am shocked that this has happened. This is a nice neighbourhood.
Wealthy
“We’ve got to be vigilant and do things like keep our doors and windows locked and watch for any suspicious behaviour.
“We just have to look out for each other, really.
“These people must see the houses and think these are wealthy people and just wait until everyone is out and then jump at the chance to break in.”
DCI Mallett said: “I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Friday, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact my team on 101.”