Widow, 93, dies four weeks after attack

Emma Winnall, who was attacked in Moseley, Birmingham, nearly a month ago, died at 4.25am yesterday from complications arising from her injuries, West Midlands Police said.

Mrs Winnall, who suffered a fractured skull and broken arm, had been in intensive care since May 1, when she had been discovered in her bed.

Superintendent Richard Baker, head of major crime at West Midlands Police, said: “Clearly, this has now become a murder inquiry.”

Renewing his appeal for information about the attack, he added: “No one capable of carrying out such a despicable attack deserves protecting – I’m asking people to look into their consciences and if they have any suspicions about who may be responsible to contact police.”

Given the extent of Mrs Winnall’s injuries, her age and her vulnerability, the investigation has always been treated with the same seriousness as a murder inquiry, Mr Baker stressed.

Detailed forensic analysis has been continuing on items that officers had removed from Mrs Winnall’s home and a reward of £5,000 is on offer to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction.

A 56-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man from the Hall Green area of Birmingham were arrested earlier this month. They must answer police bail in July.

A post-mortem examination was last night due to be carried out to determine the precise cause of death.