Man found dead 15 hours after burglary

An 80-year-old man who was found dead 15 hours after his home was burgled died of a natural causes, a post mortem examination has revealed.

Although detectives are no longer treating the death as suspicious they are continuing to investigate the burglary in Witham and are appealing for witnesses.

The man, who has not been named, was found dead at his home in Cressing Road on Friday, January 21, about 15 hours after the burglary which happened the previous day.

Police were called to the house at about 8.30pm on Thursday, January 20 after the man reported that two men had tricked their way into his home and taken his wallet containing bank cards and about £250 cash.

The man reported how a caller had knocked on his front door and asked if he could search the back garden for his missing dog.

While the victim was distracted it is believed that a second man entered his home and searched rooms.

A few minutes later both men spoke to the victim and said they needed some change. When the elderly man produced his wallet, it was taken from him and the men ran off along Cressing Road, towards Morrisons.

One of the men was described as white, about 5ft 9in tall, of slim build and aged in his 30s. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket with a collar.

The second man was also described as white, 5ft 9in and in his 30s. He was wearing a light red or pink baseball hat.

The investigation is being led by DI Richard Thomas and anyone with information should contact his team at Chelmsford police station on 0300 333 4444.

DI Thomas said: "This is a despicable crime by two men on a vulnerable 80 year-old man. If anyone knows the men involved or has any information about them they should contact us immediately or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A report on the man’s death is now being prepared for HM Coroner