Woman dies after scolding children

Sheila Bridge lived in sheltered accommodation

An elderley woman has died following a confrontation with a group of children at her home in Lancashire.

Sheila Bridge, 62, collapsed within minutes of contacting the police about youngsters causing a disturbance near her sheltered accommodation in Nelson.

Police are treating her death as suspicious.

The four boys and two girls being sought in connection with the incident are thought to be as young as 10-years-old.

Estate nuisance

It is believed Mrs Bridge may have scolded the children after a knock on her window.

Mrs Bridge's family is devastated by what has happened

Detective Superintendent Mick Turner

Detective Superintendent Mick Turner, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a very serious matter and the course of the investigation will depend on the cause of death.

"If the death was caused by a sudden shock then we need to look at the circumstances which precipitated that shock and we could be in the realms of manslaughter.

"Mrs Bridge appears to have shouted through the window at someone outside shortly before her death."

It is not clear whether Mrs Bridge then went outside to confront the children or stayed inside her home as she spoke to them.

Mr Turner said that Mrs Bridge contacted the police at 2340BST on 26 June and the ambulance service was telephoned 10 minutes later.

He added: "Mrs Bridge's family is devastated by what has happened."

'Police warning'

Neighbours near Mrs Bridge's Lansbury Place home said there had been problems with children knocking on doors and windows.

Fred Hunt said: "They do come around tapping on windows but I don't think they mean us any harm."

Norah Slater, who lives opposite Mrs Bridge's home, said: "I was really shocked when I heard about what happened.

"The police have been round warning us and telling us to keep our windows shut.

"It is terrible what has happened to Sheila. She was a very kind person."