The family of an 82-year-old murder victim has pleaded to find the "monsters" who pushed her to the ground and left her to die.
Joy Middleditch died after being knocked to the floor during a masked raid on her home in Grayson Avenue in Pakefield.
The victim’s great-niece, Rebekka Arnold, 30, appealed for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward, said: “It’s terrifying that these people are still out there.”
The incident is believed to have occurred during the hours of darkness at some point between the evening of Friday, March 24 and early Saturday morning.
Officers found Mrs Middleditch just after 1.50pm on Saturday, finding her conscious lying on the floor.
She died in the early hours of Monday, March 27.
The cause of death has yet to be confirmed and there have been no arrests.
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The robbers stole an orange handbag, with a silver link chain, that contained her purse, cash and keys, after forcing their way into the home.
Posting on social media, Ms Arnold said: “This was my great aunt. If you are from the Pakefield/Lowestoft area and have any information whatsoever on the people that did this or were in the area around the time of the incident you may have dashcam footage that could be useful, please contact Suffolk police as soon as possible to bring these horrible scumbags to justice.”
She added: “Just hoping somebody will have the information to help catch them before they do this to somebody else, the fact they’re still out there is really worrying.”
In another emotional Facebook post, she said: “How could anyone ever sleep at night knowing they did this to an elderly lady? Makes me sick, hopefully someone will be able to find something that leads to finding these monsters.”
READ MORE: Pakefield robbery: Murder probe launched
The property is still sealed off from the street by blue and white police tape and an officer in a white forensic suit was working inside the home today (March 29).
Floral tributes have piled up on the lawn, with one card addressed “To the family of Joy” and another saying “From someone who cares x”.
Ms Middleditch’s neighbour Bob Johnson said: “It’s very difficult to understand how such a thing should happen or why anybody should go to that extent.
“For whatever they got, it’s just unbelievable, I just can’t understand.”
The 88-year-old retired postman described Ms Middleditch as a “nice lady” who he would speak to while she was out walking her dog, which he said was a “tiny little thing” who she would give a “little fuss”.
He said she used a walker.
Mr Johnson described the area as “very quiet”, adding: “It’s mostly retired people, or semi-retired.”
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 any way 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.”
Information should be directed to the Major Investigation Team quoting the crime reference number 37/17537/23.
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