Raid victim Maureen ‘died from the shock’
A PENSIONER could have died from shock after her home was burgled, a murder squad detective said yesterday.
Maureen Whale, 77, collapsed as she called 999 to ask for help as she was being raided.
Two men – in their 20s – entered the property while another man kept watch outside.
Det Chief
Insp Noel
McHugh, who described the attack as “quite sad”, said:
“Maureen died as a consequence of the burglary. If two people suddenly appeared how would you feel?”
He added:
“There was no visible injuries, we don’t want to frighten everybody, we are awaiting a post-mortem... it might be the shock of it killed her.
“Maureen was well before they broke into the house. If they hadn’t broken in we imagine she would still be here now.”
Details emerged yesterday of the jewellery stolen at the home in
Barnet, north
London, where she had lived since her childhood.
The haul included a Meghan Markle-style engagement ring, a Pandora ring, plus a Tiffany necklace and bracelet. Her handbag was also stolen containing 900dollars and £30 in Turkish lira.
The former nurse, air hostess, medical secretary and librarian had lived in the cottage, described as “her world” which had been her family home since 1928.
Burglars wore baseball caps, beanies and hoods when they entered frail and vulnerable Miss Whale’s home. There were four other burglaries within an hour in the area on December 4 . She was rushed to hospital but died the following day.
A post-mortem examination is under way alongside a comprehensive search of her house.