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07/02/2003
South Belfast pensioner dies after robbery
An elderly pensioner has died after she was robbed at her home in south Belfast last night.
At around 7.40pm, four youths forced their way into the 82-year-old woman's Drumart Green home in the Belvoir estate. The gang then ransacked the house before they left a short time later.
The woman contacted family members but fell ill and died a short time later. The woman has been named as Mary Thompson.
In a follow up operation, Police searched five houses –four in Castelreagh and one in Carryduff. Two 16-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, who were voluntarily helping police with their inquiries, were later released without charge.
South Belfast UUP Assembly member Michael McGimpsey described the attack as an "act of evil".
The former culture minister said: “This monstrous action cost the heaviest price that can be paid – the loss of a human life. It is an action that fills every right-thinking person with disgust.
“That anybody would break into an elderly person’s home and put her in such fear and distress that she would die is appalling.
“It is our duty to look after the vulnerable in our society: children, those suffering disability, the sick and, of course, the elderly.
“The elderly do not feel safe in their homes at the moment and whoever did this caused the death of this gentle woman."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(GMcG)
At around 7.40pm, four youths forced their way into the 82-year-old woman's Drumart Green home in the Belvoir estate. The gang then ransacked the house before they left a short time later.
The woman contacted family members but fell ill and died a short time later. The woman has been named as Mary Thompson.
In a follow up operation, Police searched five houses –four in Castelreagh and one in Carryduff. Two 16-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, who were voluntarily helping police with their inquiries, were later released without charge.
South Belfast UUP Assembly member Michael McGimpsey described the attack as an "act of evil".
The former culture minister said: “This monstrous action cost the heaviest price that can be paid – the loss of a human life. It is an action that fills every right-thinking person with disgust.
“That anybody would break into an elderly person’s home and put her in such fear and distress that she would die is appalling.
“It is our duty to look after the vulnerable in our society: children, those suffering disability, the sick and, of course, the elderly.
“The elderly do not feel safe in their homes at the moment and whoever did this caused the death of this gentle woman."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
