Open verdict on burglary death

A coroner has recorded an open verdict on the death of an elderly woman from Bedford who collapsed when burglars raided her home.

Adeline Hussey, better known as Mary, was found lying in the doorway of her warden-controlled flat in November last year.

Burglars smashed their way into Mrs Hussey's home in Newnham Road and stole £200 she had put aside for housekeeping.

The inquest at Bedford on Tuesday heard that bruises found on the 92-year-old's arms suggest she fought with the intruders during the burglary.

Shock of burglary

The Coroner David Morris said he would normally have recorded a verdict of natural causes after someone died of a heart attack.

But, he said, it was clear she died as a result of the burglary - although it is not known if it was from the shock of being manhandled or from being pushed aside by the burglar.

He therefore recorded an open verdict and said Bedfordshire Police may want to re-open the inquest at a later stage.

Bedfordshire Police are still investigating the case.