They gained entry to the property using garden shears and stole all of her jewellery, as well as her late husband’s watch, her purse, bank cards and a gold chain from around her neck.

Mrs Munroe’s health quickly deteriorated after the attack, despite her having been well and independent before. She was diagnosed with PTSD after having repeated nightmares, trouble sleeping, constant sickness and being unable to stop shaking.

Eventually she was taken to hospital, where she was diagnosed with Takotsubo Syndrome, also known as broken heart syndrome.

The condition is characterised by a sudden weakening of the heart caused by emotional stress or anxiety, which can then result in heart failure.

Mrs Munroe died this week on August 21. In a statement, Ms Munroe’s family said: ‘The distressing circumstances of our lovely mum’s death have caused us so much sorrow. ‘Before the burglary, she was happy and living independently in her home of 56 years.

‘The violent actions of these callous individuals robbed her not only of precious possessions, but of her sense of security and peace and the will to go on. ‘All the generations of our family who owe her so much are bereft at her death.’

Detective Inspector Simon Barnes of Northampton CID urged anyone who has any information about the burglary, on Kettering Road North, to get in touch.

He said: ‘This is one of the saddest cases I have come across during my career and a stark reminder of how deeply a burglary can affect a victim. ‘Betty was in good health before this incident but she deteriorated very quickly after it and sadly died in her care home this week, surrounded by her family.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has any information about the burglary in June to please contact us, no matter how insignificant you think your information might be.’