A WOMAN, 73, has died in hospital days after falling over as a man tried to steal her handbag – while police have arrested four teenagers and two men in a manslaughter investigation.
She was one victim in a series of robberies in the Hall Green and Acocks Green areas of Birmingham.
The woman was on Petersfield Road, Hall Green, at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, February 5, when a man tried to take her handbag.
During the struggle, she fell to the ground and dislocated her shoulder.
The offender ran off and got into a grey Volkswagen Bora.
The victim received treatment for her injuries and was released from hospital.
But she was re-admitted on Friday, February 15 and sadly died the following day.
Enquiries are on-going to determine her cause of death.
Two other women were also targeted within hours of this offence taking place.
The first incident happened on at around 1:45pm on Westfield Road, Acocks Green.
A 57-year-old woman was on her way home when she was approached by a man who snatched her handbag.
He ran off and was seen getting into a grey Volkswagen Bora.
The last incident occurred at around 3pm on Hazelwood Road, Acocks Green.
A woman, 67, was walking home when her bag was snatched from her.
The offender ran off and got into a dark coloured car.
Six people were arrested on Wednesday, February 20, three men aged 20, 22, and 18 on suspicion of robbery and manslaughter, a 15-year old boy on suspicion of robbery and manslaughter, a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery and a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of assault with intent to rob.
Detective inspector Richard Marsh from force CID at Stechford said: “My thoughts are with the family of the woman who has died at this tragic time. They are being supported by specialist officers and updated with all developments.
“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.
“I’d also like to directly appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any of these robberies or who may have any other information which may assist our investigation to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference number 20BE/30522C/19.
