Family's tribute to business success of man who died after robbery

A family have spoken of the business successes of an elderly man who died two days after armed robbers raided his house.

On Tuesday October 21, two men armed with a shotgun broke into the home of 85-year-old Richard Atherton in Stonehouse Lane, Cookham Dean.
He was treated by paramedics for graizing and bruising, but on Thursday, October 23, he became unwell and died in hospital.

His family told how Mr Atherton ran R Atherton Haulage in Stow Road, Cippenham, for 30 years.
After selling the business, he ran a stone yard from the same location for 20 years. 
He also ran the ‘Popin café’ on the Bath Road for 43 years before selling the business in 2007. 

An initial post mortem carried out on Friday, October 24, suggested he died of natural causes. 
Further tests are being carried out to determine the exact cause of death. These are not expected to be known for a number of weeks. 

Police are still investigating the aggravated burglary. 
Both offenders had their faces covered. One is described as between 5ft 2ins and 5ft 4ins and stocky and the other is thin and between 5ft 10ins and 6ft.

DI 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."

If you saw anyone behaving suspiciously or have any information, contact DI Armstead on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.