A frail grandmother, who was rushed to hospital after being robbed in her home, has died.

Shirley Long, 77, died from bronchial pneumonia, more than three weeks after the terrifying raid.

Mrs Long, who had a pulmonary lung disease, suffered breathing difficulties after the incident, on Sunday, November 17, when two robbers barged their way into her ground-floor flat, in Manchester Road, Bradford, pushed her into a chair, threatened her, and searched the property, leaving with money, bank cards, and her phone.

The pensioner managed to alert a relative and police were called. She was able to give an account of what happened to officers, but later became unwell and was admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

She had been detained there since and died in hospital on Wednesday night. The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, said the robbery had hastened Mrs Long’s death. But he said there would not be a murder inquiry.

“Had the attack not occurred, she would not have gone to hospital that night,” said Det Chief Insp Wallen. “However, her cause of death has had nothing to do with the attack.

“Mrs Long was a frail and vulnerable member of the community and clearly she never recovered from this heartless attack. The men who robbed her committed a cowardly and despicable crime and need to be swiftly brought to justice. That’s why we are again calling for anyone with information to come forward.”

Mrs Long’s family were too upset to comment yesterday. Det Chief Insp Wallen said: “As you would expect, the family is extremely upset. It is a desperately sad situation at this time of year.”

Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the area at around 6pm on Sunday, November 17, to contact Bradford South CID, via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The suspects were described as white men wearing dark clothing, face coverings and gloves. One was approximately 6ft and the other slightly shorter. They were seen running off towards West Bowling.

Two men from Bradford, both aged 37, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and are on bail.