Police investigating the death of a farmer's wife in the wake of a diesel theft are examining a burnt-out vehicle believed to be involved.
Rosemary Dove, 68, collapsed while she was phoning police after spotting a man taking red diesel at East House Farm in Bishop Middleham, County Durham.
Mrs Dove's son was injured when he was hit by the thief's truck on Sunday.
A silver Mitsubishi L200 pick-up was found on fire near the village of Coundon 24 hours later.
A Durham Police spokesman said he believed the pick-up was driven to the area - less than 10 miles from the farm - and deliberately set on fire in the immediate aftermath of a series of national and regional television and radio broadcasts reporting the death of Mrs Dove, and the serious injuries to her son, Michael.
He said: "It is possible the person or people responsible first learned of the tragic consequences of their actions from the media broadcasts and decided to try to cover their tracks by destroying potential evidence."
Mrs Dove and her husband Frank disturbed the thief when they returned after a day at an agricultural show.
She ran to dial 999, while her husband and son Michael, 43, chased the pick-up style truck.
Her son was hurt when he got out of his vehicle and was knocked into a ditch by the Mitsubishi.
He suffered a number of injuries and is being treated in hospital, where his condition is described as non life-threatening.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~21~RS~)