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The scene after the accident |
Tragedy strikes elderly couple
DOUBLE tragedy struck on Monday when an elderly man was found
with a knife wound in his chest just minutes after being told
his wife had been run over.
Family liason officers rushing to tell Michael Burke of his
wife Margaret’s accident just yards from the family home
were stunned to discover the disabled man with a knife wound
caused by a blade four to five inches long.
The couple, who have lived in St Silas Place, off Prince of
Wales Road, Kentish Town, for nearly 40 years, are recovering
at the Royal Free Hospital.
Neighbours say Mr Burke, a retired postman, relied heavily on
his wife’s care.
Eyewitnesses say Mrs Burke was involved in an accident with
a car at around 2pm on Monday.
The pensioner, known to neighbours as Marge and who is in her
70s, suffered head injuries.
An air ambulance was scrambled immediately and doctors attended
to her on the street before she was taken to hospital.
Police say Mr Burke was discovered when a family liaison officer
went to his home to tell him of his wife’s accident.
Officers realised something was wrong when Mr Burke only half-opened
the door, reluctant to speak to anyone. They discovered Mr Burke
was injured.
He was taken to hospital.
The couple’s son and daughter were informed and brought
to Hampstead’s Royal Free to be with their parents.
The daughter told the New Journal on Tuesday her parents were
both still in hospital but were doing fine.
Neighbours gathering in the street were visibly shocked to see
the pensioner’s garments and shoes scattered on the ground
behind the car which hit her.
While detectives questioned passers-by, Father Graeme Rowlands
from nearby St Silas Church was making plans to visit Mr and
Mrs Burke in hospital.
One neighbour, who has lived in the street for more than 20
years, described Mrs Burke as “a lovely lady, very quiet
– a very private person,” and “a real part of
the community”.
Another described the couple as the “best neighbours”.
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