Pensioner Mugging Death: Two Teens Questioned

Two boys arrested on suspicion of murder after a partially-sighted pensioner died following a mugging face further questioning by police today.

Paula Castle, 85, was robbed in an alleyway off Oldfield Lane South in Greenford, west London, on Monday and died in hospital the following day.

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were detained by Metropolitan Police on Wednesday and remain in custody at a London police station, a force spokesman said.

Police said the two boys were also arrested on suspicion of robbery, relating to a separate incident on Tuesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Russell Taylor, of the Metropolitan Police's homicide and serious crime command, made a plea for witnesses.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the sequence of events which will have occurred in a potentially busy area of Greenford in daylight," he said.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim or the suspects at the time."

Mrs Castle, who is registered blind, was found with a head injury and taken to Ealing Hospital, then transferred to St Mary's Hospital.

A post-mortem examination found her cause of death to be head injuries.

Police said officers believe two males approached the pensioner from behind and stole her handbag.

In the process the widow, who lived alone, was assaulted and fell to the pavement.

The suspects, who were dressed in dark clothing, ran off in the direction of Farndale Crescent with the handbag, which was recovered from the scene by officers.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 7214868 or, to remain anonymous, to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.