Gems clue to granny killer

Sep 5 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

MURDER police today appealed to jewellers to help trace £1,000 gems stolen from a pensioner's home.

Detectives said handlers trying to offload the distinctive gold rings and bangles would have "detailed knowledge" of the murder of Mohinder Kaur, in Kings heath, Birmingham.

The 81-year-old suffocated after being gagged.

The new police appeal came as two of her anguished sons told how their mother's death had left the family "shocked and traumatised".

Santogh Singh, aged 50, said: "My mother was a very happy person who was well-known to all the community in the area.

"She was not only a mother to us but to most of the people who knew her in Birmingham.

"I would like to appeal to the public, please, please help us. Come forward if you have any information at all that can help police."

Frail Mrs Kaur, who was known to her extended family as Shanti, had three sons and two daughters and more than 20 grandchildren.

She was found lying dead in the hallway of her flat flat in Nutgrove Close at 3.15pm on Saturday, August 25, by a grandson who had called to see her. It is believed she had been killed on Friday night.

Police believe she could have been killed in a botched burglary.

Det Chief Insp Steve Bimson revealed that rings and more than 20 bangles had been stolen.

Police artists have created impressions of some of the most distinctive pieces of gold jewellery.

Among the missing pieces was a 24ct filigree ring, 24ct button chain worn on a sari, two 24ct bangles with snake's heads at either end and a diamond ring with a white stone.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 113 5000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111. ..SUPL: