Police name 82 year old woman who died after Pakefield home break-in
Joy Middleditch died in hospital on Monday
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
An elderly woman who died after being robbed in her home near Lowestoft has been named.
Joy Middleditch died in hospital on Monday after she was robbed inside her own home in Grayson Avenue, Pakefield, over the weekend.
Officers were called just after 1.50pm on Saturday 25 March, to reports that a woman had been found lying on the floor in her home on Grayson Avenue.
The break-in believed to have occurred during the hours of darkness at some point between the evening of Friday 24 March and early Saturday morning, 25 March.
The victim was found conscious but in a serious condition and was taken to James Paget Hospital for treatment.
She died in hospital in the early hours of Monday 27 March.
Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, police have identified the victim as Joy Middleditch, aged 82 years.
It's reported she heard a noise at her door, at which point two masked men 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 that was in the bag is still missing.
It is believed this may be a black and white chequer pattern purse.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday (27th March) afternoon, however the cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Officers say further examinations will now take place
No arrests
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 any CCTV or doorbell cameras to make contact, while motorists with a dashcam fitted in their vehicle who were driving between 6pm on 24 March and 7am on 25 March in the vicinity of the B1532 London Road, South Lowestoft, have also been asked to get in touch.