Family tribute to ‘dearly loved’ grandmother, 88, who died after assault in burglary at her home
THE FAMILY of an 88-year-old woman who died after a violent burglary at her home paid tribute to a “dearly loved mum and nanna”.
Josephine Kaye was assaulted when she answered the door at her home in Stoke-on-Trent on February 27, Staffordshire Police said.
Mrs Kaye died of her injuries on Tuesday.
The force said the pensioner was threatened with a screwdriver before burglars stole thousands of pounds in cash.
The incident is now being treated as murder. Police said a 27-year-old man from Leicestershire, initially arrested on suspicion of robbery and other offences, has been released under investigation. He has been remanded in custody in connection with offences in Essex.
A 52-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, both from Stoke, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, have both been bailed until next month, the force said.
Paying tribute to the pensioner, Mrs Kaye’s family said: “On Tuesday, our dearly loved mum and nanna passed away in hospital following a violent attack on her while she was in her home.
“Our family are devastated by her loss and we’re still coming to terms with the circumstances of her sad and untimely death.
“We are working closely with Staffordshire Police and will continue to help and support their investigation in any way we can.
“Whilst we continue to come to terms with these tragic circumstances, we would be grateful if people could respect our privacy and allow us to grieve at this very sad time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Ison, from the Staffordshire Polices major and organised crime department, said: “Our thoughts are with Mrs Kaye’s family at this tragic time and an investigation is ongoing.
“We’ve arrested three people but our inquiries are continuing and we’d ask anyone with information that may be able to assist to come forward as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information which could help the investigation should contact Staffordshire Police.