Woman, 77, dies after collapsing during 999 call

The woman was speaking to police on the phone when she collapsed at her home in High Barnet

A 77-year-old woman who collapsed while calling police to report a burglary at her home has died.

She dialled 999 on Tuesday to report intruders had forced their way into her home in Bells Hill, High Barnet, north-east London, and stolen property.

During the call, the police operator heard her collapse. Paramedics arrived and she was taken to hospital but died on Wednesday morning.

Police are looking at whether the break in is connected to three other cases.

Emergency CPR was given by officers when they arrived at the home soon after 18:00 GMT and the woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Her family has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

'Wonderful lady'

Det Ch Insp Noel McHugh said detectives were looking at whether the burglary was linked to "three other break ins that have been reported in the nearby area".

"A wonderful elderly lady has died... I want to reach out and make a direct appeal to anyone from the criminal fraternity who has information to contact us," he said.

The two suspects are described as white, aged in their twenties, and of thin build.

The force's Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating.