POLICE are appealing for information about a burglary at the home of an elderly Redditch woman shortly after she was found deceased.

The burglary happened in Evesham Road, Astwood Bank, between 11.30pm on Monday, May 12 and 1.10pm on Wednesday, May 14.

It happened some time after the elderly occupant - a woman in her 80s - was discovered deceased at the house by police who forced entry on Monday evening following a report from a neighbour that she had not been seen for some weeks.

After the discovery of the woman’s body, the side door was boarded up by police.

A forensic examiner attended the following afternoon to find that part of the board had been broken off and the house had been ransacked, with drawers and cupboards opened and the contents tipped on the floor.

At this stage police believe jewellery has been stolen

Detective Constable Adam Pugh of West Mercia Police said: “The house was left as secure as we were able to make it.

“This was not a random attack. Someone in the area was aware the woman had been found dead and has taken advantage to subsequently carry out the burglary.

“All burglaries are distressing but given the circumstances, this one is particularly upsetting.”

The woman is believed to have been dead for around three weeks.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and next of kin have been informed.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident are being asked to call DC Pugh on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 252-s-140514 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.