Police detectives have launched a murder investigation and are offering a £50,000 reward for information after an elderly woman died weeks after a violent robbery in Stretford.
Eileen Blane, 87, was at her home on Castleton Avenue at about 3pm on February 3, when a man forced his way in and demanded cash and jewellery, snatching the wedding ring from her finger.
The incident caused her health to steadily deteriorate, and after a period of hospitalisation, Eileen was sadly found dead at her home on April 1.
Nobody has been arrested in connection with the robbery, however police are now offering a large reward for anyone with information that leads to the successful conviction of the offender.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Eales of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This was a disgusting attack on an elderly woman in her own home which left her with serious injuries that we believe ultimately lead to her death.
“Eileen’s family have been left devastated by her death and are desperate to see the person responsible brought to justice.
“It is heart wrenching to see the impact such a senseless act has had on them and we have been providing them with support from specially trained officers.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who can help us in our efforts to find the man responsible and bring some closure to Eileen’s family.
“It’s possible that the offender may have told somebody about the robbery or even approached local businesses in an attempt to sell Eileen’s stolen items.
“If you run a local business and are aware of a suspicious man attempting to pawn off a wedding ring or women’s jewellery around the date of the robbery, it is possible that you may hold key information which could assist our enquiries.
“If you have any information, no matter how big or small you think it may be, I would urge you to please contact police immediately.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
