Family pay tribute to 'strong' and 'determined' Pakefield woman as murder investigation continues

Police are yet to make any arrests over the death of 82 year old Joy Middleditch

82 year old Joy Middleditch
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 29th Mar 2023
Last updated 29th Mar 2023

The family of a woman who was fatally injured during a robbery at her home near Lowestoft have paid tribute saying she was 'strong' and 'determined'

82 year old Joy Middleditch died at the James Paget Hospital on Monday (March 27) after being seriously injured by two masked men who broke into her home on Grayson Avenue in Pakefield on either Friday evening (March 24) or early Saturday morning (March 25).

It's believed Joy managed to give a description of the intruders to police before her death. Officers are treating the incident as a murder.

Paying tribute, Joy's family said: “Joy was 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.”

Joy's handbag was taken during the break-in but was later found on nearby Nelson Road. A black and white chequer pattern purse is still missing.

A post-mortem has taken place but the cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Police are still trying to locate the men responsible for the murder.

Sarsfield Donohue, Acting Superintendent for Suffolk Police, said:

"I would appeal to those members of the public who haven't already spoken to us, if you do have CCTV coverage or doorbell footage we would like to see it please if it potentially would help the investigation.

"Also any drivers who would have used the London Road area of Pakefield between 6pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday, if you have relevant footage we would be grateful if you could get in contact with us.

"We're looking for two believed to be male suspects and both wearing face coverings."

Mr Donohoe said the incident was a "really cowardly and callous attack on what was an elderly and vulnerable female in their own home".

"That could have been anybody's mother or grandmother," he said.

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