POLICE are appealing for help after an elderly woman died following a break-in at her home.

The woman, who was in her seventies, became ill after finding her Bradley Stoke house had been burgled on Thursday (May 22).

Police were called at 12.39pm to the property in Oaktree Crescent. The householders were away and the call to police was made by a relative who checked on the property and found the door had been forced. Cash and jewellery had been stolen.

After the householders returned that afternoon, the lady became ill and was taken to hospital by ambulance. She died overnight.

Detective Inspector Jill Kells said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time, and we have appointed a specially-trained officer to support them as we carry out our investigation.

"We have arrested three men in connection with our enquiries into this burglary and another burglary in Hambrook Lane, Stoke Gifford, that same afternoon. However, I would appeal for anyone with any information which could help this investigation to contact us by calling 101 quoting reference 51255/14.”

Officers were called just before 3.45pm on the same day to Hambrook Lane in Stoke Gifford when three men spotted at the scene.

Three suspects were detained later that afternoon in connection with both burglaries. Jewellery stolen in both burglaries has not been recovered.

Officers have been carrying out-door-to-door enquiries in both areas and Crime Scene Investigators have examined both properties.

The lady’s death has been referred to the coroner.