Breaking news: Two people arrested in connection to distraction burglary in Brierfield as elderly grandmother lay dying in bed

The crime took place at around 3am on Friday, October 16th, in Walter Street, Brierfield, when the male occupant, Mr Ronald Crowther, went into the street, leaving the door open, to get help for his wife Dorothy who was gravely ill.

A man and woman were reported to have entered the property offering to telephone for an ambulance while Mr Crowther, who is 87, went upstairs to sit with his wife, who died later that day.

After the incident a purse and a mobile phone were found to be missing and later reported stolen.

Following inquiries and an appeal to the public detectives have this morning arrested two people on suspicion of burglary.

They are a 42-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both from Nelson. They are currently in custody.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We would like to thank everyone for their help with our inquiries so far."