Reward offered after robbery death

Reward offered after robbery death

Police want to trace a man seen in the area the day before the robbery

An anonymous donor has offered a £5,000 reward to help catch a robber whose 83-year-old victim has since died.

Gladys Evline Gardner died in Oxford's John Radcliffe hospital where she was being treated for a broken hip caused by the robber when he knocked her down.

Thames Valley Police have yet to ascertain the cause of death and have not launched a murder inquiry.

The mother-of-two, of Villeboys Close, Abingdon, died on Tuesday, 1 April, after being attacked in Radley.

The person who has offered the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction has asked not to be identified.

Handbag snatched

Detective Inspector Andy Boyd, of Abingdon police, said: "I hope this reward will urge people to come forward with any information they may have about the person who did this.

"We still want to speak to a man seen in the area the day before the robbery, to try and clear him from the investigation."

Police have renewed their appeal for information about the robbery in St James Road.

The robber stole Mrs Gardner's handbag on Thursday, 13 February.

It was recovered the following day at the entrance to Culham Lock.

The man police want to trace is described as white, around 20 years old and of large build.

He was wearing a dark, navy blue jacket with the hood up over his face.