Police investigating a distraction burglary which happened while an elderly woman lay dying upstairs in bed have arrested two people.

The crime took place at around 3am on Friday October 16, at an address on Walter Street, Brierfield, when the male occupant went out into the street, to go and get help for his wife.

A man and woman were reported to have entered the property offering to telephone for an ambulance while the male occupant, who is in his 80s, went upstairs to sit with his wife, who died later that day.

After the incident a purse and a mobile phone were found to be missing and later reported stolen.

A Police statement read, "Following enquiries and an appeal to the public detectives have this morning arrested two people on suspicion of burglary.

"They are a 42-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man both from Nelson. They are currently in custody.

"We would like to thank everyone for their help with our enquiries so far."