Murder charge after pensioner's death

Eileen O'Meara died at Burnley General Hospital

A man has been remanded in custody charged with murder after a pensioner hit with an ashtray died in hospital.

Eileen O'Meara, 78, was hit by the ashtray as she was walking near a pub on Parker Lane, Burnley, on 26 April.

Ms O'Meara, of Hart Street, Burnley, never left hospital and police revealed on Tuesday that she died last Wednesday.

Anthony Clark, 21, Brunshaw Road, Burnley, was originally charged with wounding, but was rearrested on Tuesday and charged with murder.

Mrs O'Meara was taken to Burnley General Hospital, and transferred to the intensive care unit of Royal Preston Hospital.

Court appearance

At the end of May she was taken back to Burnley hospital.

But last week her condition deteriorated, and she died.

A post-mortem examination by Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford revealed a link between her cause of death and original assault, police said.

Mr Clark appeared before Burnley magistrates on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until 2 July.