Grandmother dies after burglary

Grandmother dies after burglary

Phyllis was well known in the Daubhill area of Bolton

Police in Greater Manchester have launched a murder inquiry after an 88-year-old woman died after being attacked by a burglar in her home.

Phyllis Mayoh suffered a broken hip when she was pushed over at her house in Rosamond Street, Daubhill, Bolton, on Sunday.

The grandmother had been doing the washing up in the kitchen when she went into her living room and found a youth there.

He pushed her to the ground and demanded money before fleeing with just her purse after she pulled a Careline emergency cord to raise the alarm.

Ms Mayoh was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where she died following a hip replacement operation at about 1830 BST on Wednesday.

Her son, Roy, who lives in Cheshire, said she would be missed by the whole community, who knew her as Auntie Phyllis.

She was 4ft 10ins and weighed six stone, why did he have to push her? He didn't need to hurt her

Phyllis Mayoh's son, Roy

He said: "Her favourite hobby was bossing her family about, even as she got older and became physically less able, she was still as sharp as a button and the central hub for all of us.

"When mum retired she travelled to Australia for a month to see family and I believe the fact she went all that way alone, at the age of 65, just shows her bravery and determination.

"The man who broke into her home took that from her, she lost her confidence, her independence and ultimately her life, I don't understand why.

'No match'

"She was 4ft 10ins and weighed six stone, why did he have to push her? He didn't need to hurt her."

Her attacker is described as white, slim, aged about 17 or 18, about 6ft tall with neatly cut mousy coloured hair and wore a dark jacket and denim jeans.

Police believe he may have carried out other street robberies or burglaries in the area.

Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Phyllis was a very elderly lady and her limited mobility meant she would be no match for any intruder.

"Due to her trusting nature, despite protests from her family, she regularly left her front door unlocked and on this occasion her trust of other people contributed to her death."