Dying retiree assaulted ‘by couple who wanted to call an ambulance’

An elderly woman was assaulted while dying in her bed by two people who pretended they were calling an ambulance, according to police.

Ronald Crowther, 87, left his home in Brierfield, Lancashire, to seek help after his wife Dorothy, 84, suffered an aneurysm on October 16.

A man and a woman reportedly offered to call an ambulance and entered the house, while Ronald returned upstairs to sit with his wife.

His wife of 60 years passed away shortly after. It was later discovered that her purse and mobile phone were missing.

Officers have released CCTV footage of a man and a woman they would like to speak to regarding the alleged theft.

The images also show Ronald knocking on doors asking for help for his wife.

The couple’s daughter, Janet Crowther Hindley, said the family was “completely heartbroken” and “trying to cope with the loss.”

Son-in-law Steve said, “Ronald is still coming to terms with what has happened right now.”

Lancashire Police PC Rob Bayley said: ‘Committing a crime like this against an older and vulnerable man in his hour of need is shameful and appalling and we are committed to finding those responsible.

The male victim believed that the assailants, who were bystanders, were helping him by calling an ambulance as he climbed the stairs to sit by the bed of his dying wife.

But then it emerged that they did indeed serve a purse, which was on a table in the front room, and a mobile phone from inside a purse, which was next to a chair.

“I would ask anyone who has seen these people at the time of the incident or anyone who thinks they might recognize them to get in touch with whatever information they think would be helpful.”

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