Man, 48, arrested after death of his girlfriend, 87

Police investigating the death of a pensioner aged 87 have arrested her 48-year-old boyfriend on suspicion of murder. Florence McCouig died in hospital after allegedly telling doctors she feared she was poisoned. Her partner Roy Green was later held.

A postmortem test revealed the widow may have died of natural causes but detectives have asked for toxicology tests. Neighbours said Mr Green used to help with her gardening and moved into her home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, two years ago.



One, Connie Groonell, 78, added: “She said he was good to her, did her cooking and cleaning. I used to see her most days, but less when Roy moved in.” Det Chief Insp Howard Millington said: “There has been a lot of ­speculation about this incident and I do not want people to come to any conclusions over this woman’s death.

“Initial indications are she may have died of natural causes but are carrying out further tests and inquiries.” A police statement added: “Police were called following the death of an 87-year-old woman. A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed until 31 January.”