The suspected attacker of a 100-year-old woman who died after she was mugged on her way to church is in custody following his arrest.
Sophie Kaczan died in hospital after her neck was broken during a vicious mugging in Derby on May 28.
Mrs Kaczan, who survived the Nazi invasion of Poland before coming to Britain to start a new life after the war, was attacked in the street last week.
Derbyshire Police said today that a 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder and is currently being questioned.
Sophie Kaczan, 100, died in hospital after her neck was broken during a vicious mugging
A Derbyshire Police spokesman said today: ‘Zofija Kaczan passed away early yesterday morning.
‘She suffered multiple injuries, including a broken neck, as a result of the robbery, which happened at around 8.45am on Monday, May 28, close to the junction of St Chads Road and Empress Road in Normanton.
‘She had told us that she was approached from behind, knocked over and had her handbag stolen.
‘A 39-year-old man, who was previously arrested on suspicion of robbing Mrs Kaczan, has now been arrested on suspicion of her murder. He remains in police custody and is being questioned.’
Detectives are appealing for information about a beige/silver Seat Leon seen in the area at the time, with the registration plate SL02 KVZ.
The spokesman added: ‘We want to hear from anyone who may have information about the driver of the vehicle – or if you have CCTV or dash cam footage that shows the vehicle?’
Police have released an image of this Seat Leon as part of the investigating into the attack
Ms Kaczan’s friend and neighbour Stacia Fitzsimmons, 55, said the mugger had in effect taken the pensioner’s life.
‘She would still be walking to church every morning if it wasn’t for the person who has done this – he has killed her.’
Mrs Ftzsimmons added: ‘It’s so upsetting – she was like a mother to me. It is just awful that she has had to live out her final days like this. I just hope that the police catch whoever did this to Zofija.’
Mrs Kaczan was attacked moments after leaving her semi-detached home in the Normanton area of Derby to attend a service at the nearby St Maksymilian Kolbe Polish Church. Neighbours said she went there most days.
It is feared the mugger may have got away with as much as £1,000 as her bag – with a £900 utility bill inside – was later found dumped. Friends said she may have had the cash to pay the bill in her bag at the time.
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