THE man who collapsed after he discovered his Woodside home had been burgled died from heart failure, a post-mortem has confirmed.
Stanley Amarasinghe, who was 67, returned to his property on Beckford Road at about 7.10pm on Wednesday to discover it had been targeted.
He called 999, but collapsed before police officers arrived.
He was rushed to Croydon University Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead.
Neighbours paid tribute to Mr Amarasinghe, describing him as a family man who always made time for his neighbours and community.
It is understood his property had been burgled at least twice since the family moved into the area, and that Mr Amarasinghe had recently had heart surgery.
Police believe the house was burgled some time between 11.30am and 7pm, but no one was at the property when Mr Amarasinghe returned.
No arrests have been made in connection with the burglary, and detectives from Croydon CID are appealing for anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Parker on 020 3276 2179.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
- Did you know Mr Amarasinghe? Pay tribute by leaving a comment below, emailing reporter georgie.keate@essnmedia.co.uk or calling 01737 783808.
