Pensioner dies after mugger tries to steal handbag in Birmingham
West Midlands Police say a 15-year-old boy is among four people arrested on suspicion of the 73-year-old's manslaughter.
Friday 22 February 2019 01:25, UK
A 73-year-old woman has died after a mugger tried to steal her handbag.
West Midlands Police said a 15-year-old boy was among four people arrested on suspicion of the manslaughter of the pensioner, who was targeted in Hall Green, southeast Birmingham on 5 February.
She fell to the ground during the struggle and dislocated her shoulder, before the male mugger ran off and fled in a grey Volkswagen Bora car.
The victim was treated in hospital for her injuries but had to be readmitted on 15 February and died the next day.
Police say inquires are ongoing to determine her cause of death.
The force revealed two other women were also targeted on 5 February, within hours of the mugging taking place.
A 57-year-old woman was on her way home when a man snatched her handbag in Acocks Green, southeast Birmingham. He was also seen fleeing in a grey Volkswagen Bora.
And a woman, aged 67, had her bag snatched as she walked home in Acocks Green before the offender ran off and got into a dark-coloured car.
Six people have been arrested in connection with the robberies.
A 15-year-old boy and three men aged 20, 22, and 18 are being held on suspicion of robbery and manslaughter.
A boy aged 16 has been arrested on suspicion of robbery, while a 14-year-old boy has been detained on suspicion of assault with intent to rob.
Detective Inspector Richard Marsh said: "We're working tirelessly to understand what has happened and will continue to do all we can to protect those who are most vulnerable in our communities.
"Reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the area and I'd urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour."
It comes as West Midlands Police introduced stricter stop-and-search powers after a second Birmingham teenager was stabbed to death in a week.
The force said it will be using Section 60 powers in parts of the city, which allows officers to search people without reasonable grounds when there is a risk of violence or weapons are being carried.
In the latest killing, a 16-year-old boy was found fatally stabbed near a park in Small Heath, Birmingham, on Wednesday evening.
His death followed the fatal stabbing of student Sidali Mohamed, also 16, outside Joseph Chamberlain College.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with that incident.