Police investigate death of 91-year-old woman who fell victim to purse snatcher

POLICE have launched an investigation into the death of an elderly widow from West Yorkshire who fell gravely ill after being targeted by a thief in her home.

Joyce Brehaut, 91, suffered a rapid decline in health after a man conned her way into her sheltered accommodation in Pudsey, Leeds. He had knocked on her door asking to use a pen and paper before following her inside and grabbing a purse containing just £13 that was on top of the walking frame she was using before escaping.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that Mrs Brehaut, who was fighting cancer, died in hospital on Sunday morning.

They are now carrying out enquiries into her death.

Detective Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, of the force’s homicide and major enquiry team, said: “We can confirm that sadly 91-year-old Joyce Brehaut, from Pudsey, died in hospital on Sunday morning.

“Due to the fact that she had been admitted to hospital following a distraction burglary at her home at the end of August, we are carrying out enquiries into her death.”

A forensic post-mortem examination was being carried out yesterday. Det Chief Insp Belton said the investigation would be “guided” by the result of that process.

“Our thoughts are with her family at what is understandably a difficult time for them,” she added.

The incident happened at about 2.25pm on Saturday, August 29.

The thief is described as white, about 5ft 10in tall, stocky and cross eyed. He may have been wearing a bodywarmer.

Mrs Brehaut’s son Malcolm, who branded the thief a “coward”. said he was extremely emotional over his mother’s death, but thanked police for their sensitivity.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Simon Daley at Weetwood Police Station via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.