A pensioner died three days after he was robbed by a gang pretending to be undercover police officers to get into his house.
The victim, 74, who has been named locally as Martin Rogers, let three men into his home after they told him they were undercover police officers who needed to search his house.
After tricking their way into his house in Whittington, near Owestry, Shropshire on November 20, they ransacked different rooms fleeing with cash and his wallet.
He was taken to hospital but was discharged the following day. He was found dead at home three days later on November 23.
A 74-year-old man has died three days after he was robbed at his home in Whittington, near Owestry in Shropshire (street pictured)
It is not yet known whether his death was linked to the robbery, but police are investigating.
A neighbour who wanted to remain anonymous said: ‘It’s horrible what happened to Martin.
‘He was a lovely bloke – no one could say a bad word against him.
‘I heard the news of his passing from others on the road, I can’t believe it.
‘It makes you wonder if you can trust anyone now.
‘There is a lot of eldery folke that live here and half of them are now scared to even open their doors.
‘One person is even selling up.
‘The fact that they posed as police is shows what type of scum these people are.
‘The police are here to protect us, they took advantage of that and of Martin.
‘I just hope that the real police can catch them.’
Another resident said: ‘I couldn’t believe it.
‘Martin was full of life – he loved his gardening.
‘It’s just so sad that this all happened.
‘I think they scared him to death – as he was fit and healthy.
‘This must have been the reason for his death.
‘I mean three thugs bursting into your home would scare anyone.
‘His house is all boarded up now – it’s truly a shame.
‘People here are now more on their guard when it comes to people they don’t know coming into the area.’
Detectives believe the three men left the area in a light-coloured Volvo and are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch.
Shropshire Commander Superintendent Mo Lansdale said: ‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.
‘He has clearly suffered an unpleasant ordeal during the robbery and whether or not this is linked to his death we simply don’t know at this stage.
‘We’re carrying out enquiries into the robbery to trace those responsible and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.
‘If anyone was in Whittington on Tuesday evening and saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary we would ask them to get in contact.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 652s 201118 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.