Northwold pupils help robbery victim
A WEST Norfolk community has rallied to help an 83-year-old great grandmother left traumatised by an horrific robbery.
Frail Alice Stimpson, who can barely walk and is going blind, was pinned down after three robbers tricked their way into her Northwold home last Monday.
The gang stole 300 then locked her in a room and ripped the telephone wires from the wall, forcing her to climb out of a window to get help.
On hearing what happened, youngsters at the village's Norman Primary School began making cards and organised a non-uniform day to replace the stolen money.
Headteacher Richard Ogilvie, teacher Alex Bowles and a youngster from each of the school's four classes presented Mrs Stimpson with the gifts late last week.
Her daughter, Ann Oakey (64) told the Lynn News her mother was still very upset, but had been cheered up by the visit.
"She was very touched and overwhelmed, she didn't know what to say.
"The little children were so sweet.
"Mum is very shakey and weepy because she has had time to sit and think about the robbery.
"I just hope they catch them – she can hardly walk and can't see.
"She says every time she shuts her eyes she pictures those three men in front of her. She won't be left alone," she explained.
Mrs Oakey said she had phone calls from people around the country who had heard about the robbery.
"People's reaction has been brilliant, it was certainly as a surprise," she added.
Chairman of governors at the school, Mrs Caroline Whiting, said: "The children were very upset and could not believe it could happen in their village.
"Northwold as a community, and the school as part of that community, always comes together and helps people out.
"The school quickly organised a non-uniform day for Thursday and the children brought along a donation.
"A lot of friends, family members and other people sent in money as well. From what I hear, the presentation was very emotional."
The robbery happened at around 12.30pm and the men, all white and under 30, got into Mrs Stimpson's home under the pretext of working nearby.
One was thin, with short, fair "crinkly" hair, and was wearing a zip-up jacket and fawn-coloured trousers.
Another had darker hair and one wore a navy t-shirt and the other a white t-shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Ian Young at Downham Market CID on 0845 456 4567 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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