Two boys aged 14 and 15 have been arrested following a robbery that lead to the tragic death of an 82-year-old woman in the UK.
Joy Middleditch was found on the floor of her home on Saturday, March 25, following the robbery which left her breathing but in a critical condition, per Sky News.
The 82-year-old was taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk where she sadly passed away in the early hours on Monday, March 27.
Two teenage boys from the Lowestoft area in east Suffolk have been arrested following her death, and are being questioned by Martlesham Police.
As per a previous Sky report, Middleditch described her attackers to the police just hours before she passed away, stating that masked men barged into her home before knocking her to the floor and making off with her handbag.
"When we initially spoke to her at the scene, prior to her being taken off to hospital, it was reported that she heard a noise at the door," Sarsfield Donohue, Acting Superintendent (East Area) for Suffolk Police described.
He went on: "At some point during this incident a handbag has been stolen from the premises and then she was left at the premises until she was found by her family the following day."
The handbag was recovered "a short distance away" from Middleditch's home.
The officer described the attack as: "a really cowardly and callous attack on what was an elderly and vulnerable female in their own home."
Middleditch's family described her as: "A strong, determined character who loved life and her dog. She was a loving person who was sadly taken from us too soon.
"We as a family would like to thank the police and the community for all their help and support."
As per the Independent, a police spokesperson said: "A 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from the Lowestoft area, were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
"A Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday 27 March. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending further investigation."
Police have urged anybody with information about the attack to come forward by "using the online portal or by calling 101 quoting the reference 37/17537/23."
As per BBC News, a floral tribute has been established outside the home where the attack took place as residents share their shock and grief about the crime.
At the All Saints and St Margaret's Church near the home, prayers were said and candles were lit for the 82-year-old woman.
The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
Our thoughts are with Middleditch's loved ones at this time.
