Woman who died after Pakefield Grayson Avenue robbery named by police as 83-year-old Joy Middleditch

A woman who died after a robbery at her home has been named by police.

Joy Middleditch, 82, was found lying on the floor of her Pakefield Grayson Avenue home in a serious condition on Saturday March 25.

This followed an incident that took place between the evening of Friday March 24 and the early hours of Saturday morning where it is reported that the victim heard a noise at her door, at which point two masked males forced entry into her home and knocked her to the ground.

Her handbag was stolen, which has since been located in Nelson Road, Pakefield, however a purse contained with the bag is still missing. It is believed this may be a black and white chequer pattern purse.

Ms Middleditch, who has been identified subject to formal inquest proceedings, was taken to James Paget Hospital for treatment, but died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday afternoon but the cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Further examinations will now take place.

Currently there have been no arrests. There has been a large police presence within Pakefield and the local area as officers carry out searches, door to door enquiries and other activities as part of the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We are investigating this incident as a murder as we seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

“This is an awful and distressing incident and we will continue to support the victim’s family in anyway we can.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches and house to house enquiries taking place today. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

Police are asking anyone with CCTV, doorbell cameras of dashcam footage of the area between 6pm on March 24 and 7am on March 25 to get in touch.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team by emailing MITincident.room@suffolk.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting the reference 37/17537/23.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.