Paula Castle, 85, died after being mugged in alley

Detectives investigating the murder of a pensioner mugged in west London have today named her and released her image.

Paula Castle, 85, of West Ridge Gardens, Greenford, was the mother of former Cleveland Ward Conservative Councillor Brian Castle (who died from a heart attack in 2007).

Police were called to an alleyway off Oldfield Lane South, Greenford approximately 13:50hrs on Monday 19 November, to reports of the incident.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and located Mrs Castle collapsed and conscious with a head injury.

Mrs Castle, a widow who lived alone, was initially taken to Ealing Hospital, then transferred to St Mary's Hospital, where sadly, her condition deteriorated and she died at 02:14hrs on Tuesday 20 November.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place from noon today (Wednesday 21 November) at Uxbridge Mortuary.

It is believed two male suspects, who are described as black in appearance, approached the victim from behind and stole her handbag. In the process the victim was assaulted and she fell to the pavement.

The suspects, who were dressed in dark clothing, then ran off in the direction of Farm Dale Crescent with the handbag.

Officers have since recovered the bag in Farm Dale Crescent.

Police continue to appeal for any witnesses to please come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Russell Taylor, of the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "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. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim or the suspects at the time."

Conservative Councillor for Greenford Green Ward, Will Brooks said he was shocked by the sad news of Mrs Castle's death, he said:

''I would hope those responsible would do the decent thing and turn themselves in.''

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 87214868; or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800
555 111.

21st November 2012