Elderly man who died after robbery is named

The elderly Cookham man who died days after masked robbers broke into his house has been named.

Richard Atherton, 85, sustained grazes and bruising after two men broke into his home in Stone House Lane, Winter Hill, on Tuesday, October 21 at about 8.30pm. The criminals threatened him, his wife and son and two wallets with cash in were stolen. It is thought they escaped in a car.

Mr Atherton became unwell on Thursday, October 23 and was taken to Wexham Park Hospital, where he died.

A post mortem was carried out and an initial report suggests he died of natural causes, however further tests are being carried out to determine this. The men were armed with a shotgun but at this stage there is no evidence to suggest it was used in the incident.

Police have renewed their appeal for anyone with information to come forward. One of the men is described as being between 5ft 2in and 5ft 4ins and stocky, and the other is between 5ft 10ins and 6ft and thin.

Det Insp Steve Armstead said: “A number of people have come forward to help with our investigation, however I would urge anyone who has information but has not yet contacted the police to do so immediately. This is a tragic incident and my thoughts continue to be with the family at this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Insp Armstead on 0845 8 505 505 as soon as possible, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.