A MAN has spoken out after both his parents died following a burglary by bogus callers at their Northfleet home.

Betty Wardlaw, 74, of Struttons Avenue, died 10 days ago having never recovered from the death of her 78-year-old husband during the theft.

David Wardlaw collapsed with a heart attack in their front garden when three bogus callers made off with £200.

Their son Peter Wardlaw, 44, of Kingston Court, Northfleet, holds the bogus callers responsible for both parents' deaths.

He said: "They stole my mum and dad from me. My mother never recovered from what happened to my father. Although she was already frail, they did her no favours whatsoever. Her angina hadn't been a problem for years but since my father's death it started playing up again."

Mr Wardlaw told how his mother was rushed to Dartford's Darent Valley Hospital complaining of chest pains.

She died in the early hours of November 11 after slipping into a coma.

Manager Nicola Leaney of Gravesend's Orange Properties, Windmill Street, which replaced the £200 for Mrs Wardlaw, said: "We have all been really upset about it."

The news also sent shockwaves through the regulars at Beauwater Leisure Centre, Nelson Road, Northfleet, at which staff who have known the couple for more than 30 years raised nearly £500 for Mrs Wardlaw.

Secretary Val Scutt said "We had the cheque ready to go to her and then we got the sad news she had died.We are all now just trying to come to terms with it."

A North Kent Police spokesman said: "While Mrs Wardlaw's death cannot be directly linked to last month's burglary, it is not difficult to imagine the death of her husband certainly took a toll on her."

The couple, who were married for 47 years, leave son Peter, daughter Debbie Farthing, 38, and three grand-children. Mrs Wardlaw's funeral will be held tomorrow.

Police are still appealing for information on the bogus callers who visited the couple's home on October 11. Anyone with information should call 01622 654931.

November 22, 2001 10:50

Lucy Brinicombe