Detectives given more time to question Pakefield murder suspects

Two teenagers from Lowestoft were arrested over the death of Joy Middleditch yesterday

Joy Middleditch
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 1st Apr 2023

Detectives have been given more time to question two teenagers on suspicion of murder in the Suffolk village of Pakefield near Lowestoft.

82 year old Joy Middleditch died on Monday 27th March at St James Paget Hospital.

She'd been admitted two days before after being found injured following a robbery at her home in Grayson Avenue

Suffolk Police believe the incident took place during the hours of darkness at some point between the evening of Friday 24 March and early on Saturday 25th March.

Police have been working at the scene in Pakefield

Suffolk Police statement

Detectives investigating a murder in Pakefield have been granted more time to question two teenagers.

Officers were called just after 1.50pm on Saturday 25 March to reports that an elderly woman had been found lying on the floor in her home in Grayson Avenue following a robbery.

The incident is 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. Sadly, the woman died at hospital in the early hours of Monday 27 March.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the deceased has been identified as Joy Middleditch, aged 82 years.

A 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from the Lowestoft area, were arrested yesterday, Friday 31 March, on suspicion of murder and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

This morning, Saturday 1 April, detectives have been granted a superintendent’s extension to detain them for questioning for an additional 12 hours. This will expire tonight.

Appeal for further information

Suffolk Police are urging anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the force's Major Investigation Team.

This can be done via the online portal or by calling 101 quoting the reference 37/17537/23.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.