Man, 63, dies after shock of disturbing would-be burglar at his Leeds flat

John Scadden, 63, was woken at 4am on Wednesday by a noise at his flat in St Mary’s Road, Chapeltown, and discovered a male trying to force open a window with a garden spade.

The suspect ran off when Mr Scadden knocked on the window.

Mr Scadden, who had existing serious health issues, was taken ill about an hour later as he gave a statement to police. He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance and was pronounced dead shortly after 9pm last night. A forensic post mortem is due to be carried out today to establish the cause of his death.

Det Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: “Although Mr Scadden had a number of existing serious health issues, his death in these circumstances has understandably left his family very upset.

“There was no physical contact between him and the offender but he has clearly taken a turn for the worse only a short time after the incident and that resulted in him in being taken to hospital.

“We are continuing to investigate the attempted burglary at his home and would still like to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around that time. We are still keen to identify the male of a similar description to the offender who was seen on CCTV riding a bike in the area at the relevant time.

“We would ask that anyone who thinks they know who that might be or who has any information that could assist the investigation contact us immediately.”

The suspect is described as white, aged 17 to 19, and was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information after an attempted burglary in Leeds today where the victim is now in a serious condition in hospital.