Detectives arrest two after heartless crooks stole purse and iPhone from dying woman, 84

Detectives arrest two after heartless crooks stole purse and iPhone from woman, 84, as she lay dying in bed after they lied to her blind husband, 87, that they were calling an ambulance

  • Dorothy Crowther was dying in her bed in Brierfield, Lancashire, on October 16 
  • Blind husband Ronald, 87, was desperately trying to get help from neighbours
  • But thieves allegedly claimed to be calling ambulance and stole from them  

Two heartless crooks who allegedly stole a purse and an iPhone from a dying 84-year-old woman after telling her blind husband that they were calling an ambulance have been arrested.

Dorothy Crowther was lying in her bed with her blind husband Ronald, 87, at her side in their home in Brierfield, near Burnley, Lancashire, on October 16. 

She suffered an aneurysm and Ronald, who had been married to Dorothy for 60 years, started banging on walls and doors to try and get help from their neighbours.  

Thieves allegedly then offered to call for help but instead crept into their home and stole money and her smart phone instead before fleeing at 3am.  

Mrs Crowther died the same day.

Dorothy Crowther was lying in her bed with her blind husband Ronald (pictured together), 87, at her side in their home in Brierfield, near Burnley, Lancashire, on October 16, when thieves allegedly stole from her

Grieving Ronald and the family’s heartache was compounded when they discovered they had been burgled. 

Their son-in-law Steve explained: ‘As he opened the door of the house to come out again, the couple were stood there so he asked for their help to ring an ambulance.

‘The thieves took advantage of Ronald and Dorothy when they were in a time of real need.’

The couple’s daughter, Janet Crowther Hindley, released CCTV of the two suspects seen by their home.

And Lancashire Police said this had helped them track down two suspects.

The couple's daughter, Janet Crowther Hindley, released CCTV of the two suspects seen by their home

The couple’s daughter, Janet Crowther Hindley, released CCTV of the two suspects seen by their home

Grieving Ronald (pictured with Dorothy) and the family's heartache was compounded when they discovered they had been burgled

Grieving Ronald (pictured with Dorothy) and the family’s heartache was compounded when they discovered they had been burgled 

Detectives have now arrested two people on suspicion of burglary.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: ‘They are a 42-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man both from Nelson.

‘They are currently in custody.

‘We would like to thank everyone for their help with our enquiries so far.’