Man charged in connection with pensioner death in UK

A man in the UK has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a pensioner following a burglary, police said today.

George Portsmouth, 24, of Varley Street in Colne, Lancashire, allegedly killed 80-year-old Connie French after breaking into her home in North Street, Colne, on March 27.

Originally charged with burglary and grievous bodily harm, today British police said he will face a murder charge following Mrs French’s death in hospital last Saturday.

During the burglary an alarm pendant and £230 (€280) in cash were stolen, and the pensioner suffered severe bruising to her neck and chest.

A post-mortem was carried out this week to establish the cause of her death.

Police said her next of kin have been informed of the latest developments.

Portsmouth has been remanded in custody and will appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court tomorrow.