A MAN has been charged with the murder of an elderly woman who disturbed a burglar in her home on New Year's Day.

The 87-year-old woman was taken to hospital after disturbing a burglar in her home in York on the afternoon of New Year's Day.

Her son, who was out buying newspaper at the time, returned to the house in Victoria Court, off Leeman Road, and tackled the man who then fled on a bicycle.

A 33-year-old man was arrested yesterday and police have today charged him with murder.

He is due to appeal at York Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, January 8).

The woman was discharged from hospital the following day but later went back into hospital. Yesterday, she was said to be in a crictical condition. Today, police have confirmed the victim has died.

Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area of the victim’s home on Victoria Court in the Leeman Road area of York on Wednesday, January 1, to get in touch with the police if they saw anyone acting suspiciously.

A bicycle which is believed to have been used during the incident has still not been traced by the police, and the public are urged to look out for one matching its description.

Anyone who can help officers with the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for York CID.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to YorkCID@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.