Murder quiz over burglary victim

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A woman and two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder by police probing the death of an 82-year-old woman hours after her home was burgled.

Another two men and a woman arrested on Monday have been released on North Wales Police bail pending inquiries into the death of Maira Roberts.

She died in hospital on Sunday, within 12 hours of the robbery at her home in Prestatyn, Denbighshire.

CCTV footage is being studied and police have also seized a car.

Police said: "The three people, the woman and two men, who were arrested yesterday [Monday] have all been released on police bail pending further inquires.

"Police have arrested a further three people. A woman and two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and all are currently in custody awaiting questioning."

Forensic examination

The statement added: "As part of the investigation, police have seized a car that was believed to have been used on the evening and this is now subject of forensic examination.

"Inquires continue today and as part of the investigation CCTV footage is being studied of the locality."

Miss Roberts, a single woman, was born in Prestatyn and had lived there all of her life.

She enjoyed painting and gardening and was treasurer of the "57 Group", which was formed by local artists.

Following the burglary on Saturday - during which a quantity of cash is believed to have been stolen - she made her way to a neighbour's house and raised the alarm between 1900-1930 GMT.

The emergency services were called to Meliden Road and she was taken to hospital at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, where she died.

Forensic experts searching Miss Roberts' house for clues

Detectives are still keen to speak to anyone who was seen using two cash machines: one outside the Co-operative Store on Meliden Road and the other at Lloyds Bank on High Street, between 1920 and 2120 GMT on Saturday.

Police said a Home Office pathologist had conducted a post-mortem examination and officers were in the process of obtaining medical records of the deceased.

A major incident room has been set up as part of the investigation, which is being led by Det Supt Peter Chalinor.

Forensic officers have examined Miss Roberts's home and house-to-house inquiries have been made.

A statement on the North Wales Police website said: "She will be sadly missed by all her friends from the 57 Group".

Anyone with information can call 0845 606 1002 (English language), 8457 607 1001 (Welsh language) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.