A woman described as ‘an absolute gem’ by neighbours has died after a suspected burglary at her north London home despite a ‘hero’ medic who lived nearby running to the scene to try to save her.

The victim, 75, had lived at the address in Tollington Park with her husband for more than 35 years, locals told Metro.  Police were scrambled to reports of a burglary at 9.20pm on Tuesday. 

The woman was taken to hospital where she died 24 hours later. 

An 81 year old man, believed to be her husband, was also taken to hospital but has been discharged. 

The alarm was raised when neighbours heard shouting and banging with noise ‘like someone kicking a door in’ they told Metro. 

One neighbour said: ‘I have known the couple for more than 35 years. He is a retired builder and she a housewife. They have two daughters and eight grandchildren and have been wonderful neighbours who would not hurt a fly. 

‘They are just lovely family people. She was a gem, she loved a gossip and as a good friend. They used to love a game of bingo and were very popular in the community. Why a burglar would target them is just a mystery to me. They were not flashy or anything just a hardworking family. They dress and speak well and were a pleasure to be around.’

The neighbour added: ‘They loved a Mediterranean holiday and would usually have been away this time of year so maybe a burglar thought the place was about. Nothing really adds up about this though it’s just heartbreaking.’ 

Neighbours said the 81 year old husband had suffered with health issues in recent times although the woman was ‘sprightly’ for her age. 

Another said: ‘On the evening it happened I head some banging and shouting and like a door being kicked. 

‘A neighbour who is a doctor rushed to the scene and tried to help the poor woman. She was the hero of the situation.’

Detectives trawling through CCTV and ring doorbell footage from around the area. 

The house, where the couple have a spacious flat, is cordoned off as forensics officers hunt for clues.

A third neighbour said: ‘The couple have been here years and are lovely people. This just doesn’t add up. It was relatively early in the evening. I think whoever did this hit the wrong flat. There were problems in the past with drugs at flat nearby so maybe that’s what happened, the criminals went to the wrong place.’ 

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: ‘I can’t put into words my shock and sadness at the tragic death of a 75-year-old woman following a burglary at her own home.

‘My thoughts and condolences are, of course, with her family, friends and loved ones. The borough stands with you at this unthinkably challenging time. 

‘The police are appealing for information and if you know anything at all that can support them in their investigation, please don’t hesitate to come forward – no detail is too small.

‘This is a deeply unsettling incident that will no doubt cause concern among the local community, and we’ll be working with the Metropolitan Police to provide reassurance over the coming days.’

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Massink, who is leading the investigation, said: “We’re at an early stage of this investigation and awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine how the woman died, with my team working hard to pursue all lines of enquiry.

‘A crime scene remains in place as we gather evidence.

“We thank those who have already come forward to provide witness accounts, and appeal for anyone with information or doorbell footage to come forward. We believe a number of residents in the area will have key information that could help inform our investigation. No detail is too small.’

Superintendent Mark Hambleton, a policing lead in the area, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.

‘We recognise the concern this will cause locally and can reassure the community that officers are working tirelessly to determine what happened.

‘There will be an increased police presence in place while enquiries continue and we thank the public for their understanding at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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