Detectives investigating the murder of a 79-year-old foster carer are hunting for a high-end television stolen from her living room before her house was set ablaze.
Norma Bell, a foster parent for 50 children as well as three of her own, died after being attacked in her home in Hartlepool, County Durham.
Her body was discovered on Sunday morning on the ground floor of her fire-ravaged home, which officers believe was set on fire by her attacker to try to cover up her murder.
Detectives believe she may have disturbed a burglar or confronted a confidence trickster.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder but detectives are still trying to piece together Bell’s final moments.
Detectives on Thursday appealed for help to trace a 49in black LED TV that Bell bought in November last year as a present for her grandson.
The Digihome television was in a box in her living room before it was taken, along with her handbag and hundreds of pounds.
Det Supt Alastair Simpson, of Cleveland police, appealed for information from anyone who may know the whereabouts of the television or who may have been offered it for sale.
He said: “We have established that a television which was bought for Norma’s grandson is missing from the living room of the property.
“That television is a Digihome 49in black LED television with Freeview and it was still in the box. I am appealing to anyone who may have been offered this television for sale, or anyone who may know of its whereabouts, to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
The suspect, who was arrested on Wednesday, remains in police custody. Detectives have been granted a magistrates warrant to question him for a further 36 hours.
Police have urged families to check on elderly relatives in the area to ensure their properties are safe and secure.
Bell, a popular figure in the town, had lived alone since the death of her husband in 2010.
In a statement, her family said: “Our mum was a loving and caring person who lived for her family. To lose her in this manner is heartbreaking. We would urge anybody with information regarding the death of our mother to come forward and speak to police.”
