Shock in Woking as 84-Year-Old Joyce Burgess Dies After Home Robbery
Surrey Police continue to hunt for witnesses after an elderly woman died following a chilling robbery at her Woking home.
Tragic Death After Violent Robbery
Joyce Burgess, 84, passed away in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday 10 July, days after a robbery at her Loop Road home on Saturday 7 July. The attack happened around 5.30pm when a man forced his way inside.
Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We want to thank the public for their support so far. We’re continuing to help Mrs Burgess’ family through this heartbreaking time. Our inquiries now concentrate on the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.”
Police Appeal to ‘Sofa Surfers’ in Woking
Police believe the man may have been sofa surfing around Woking and might not be local. He could stand out as an unusual visitor to the area.
“If you’ve had this man stay with you in Woking recently, we need to hear from you urgently,” said Barnett. “Even the smallest detail could be vital.”
Suspect Description and Arrests
- White male, slim build
- Between 5ft 8in and 6ft tall
- Light brown hair, styled ‘curtains’
- Clean-shaven with an English accent
A man in his 20s from the Epsom area has been arrested in connection with this robbery and three other burglaries in Westfield over the weekend of July 7-8. He was also linked to a burglary elsewhere in East Surrey.
The suspect is currently released under investigation while officers probe further.
What Happened During the Robbery?
The man entered Mrs Burgess’s home via the front door, asked for a glass of water, then grabbed her handbag. A struggle broke out, leaving Mrs Burgess injured on her arms, chest, and face.
He fled in a white vehicle heading towards Vicarage Road.
A post-mortem revealed Mrs Burgess died from coronary and valvular heart disease, bronchial pneumonia, and emphysema.
How You Can Help
Surrey Police urge anyone with info about suspicious activity between 5.15pm and 6pm on July 7 to come forward.
Contact Surrey Police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) quoting ref: PR/45180072321.
You can also report anonymously via report.police.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers does not ask for personal details and operates independently from the police.
