An investigation into a robbery which led to a pensioner’s death remains unsolved.

Terrified George Bridge, 85, was manhandled by an intruder who broke into his Haworth home in May.

He died of a heart attack a week later at Airedale General Hospital.

At an inquest into his death yesterday it was heard that Mr Bridge had been previously the victim of a bogus caller which had led police to install CCTV at his home in Mytholmes Lane.

The robbery occurred on May 2 when the intruder bundled him into the kitchen and barricaded him inside with a sofa while he ransacked the premises.

Images of the suspect were caught on the CCTV system fitted in the premises. The inquest was told that Mr Bridge managed to free himself by shoving the sofa back and forcing the door to the kitchen open after the burglar had fled.

However, he soon began to suffer chest pains and was taken to hospital. He died in intensive care at 10.55am on May 9.

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Bridge had been suffering from a serious heart condition and other ailments including dementia. Pathologist Dr Alfredo Walker found minor injuries, bruises and abrasions to his body but he said that these in themselves had not amounted to significant injury or physical assault.

Dr Walker did conclude, however, that “the emotional stress of having an intruder in his home coupled with the physical stress of having to push the sofa out of the way would have been precipital factors”.

Recording a narrative verdict Mr Whittaker concluded that the robbery had been a contributing factor in Mr Bridge’s death.

After the hearing a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Four people were initially arrested in connection with the burglary. These men have since been released without charge.

“Detectives have not closed the investigation and are seeking assistance from members of the public. Since the investigation began a number of lines of inquiry have been followed.

“Anyone with any information should contact West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060606 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”