Police offer the hand of friendship to elderly man left in an empty home after wife's death

An elderly man left in an empty home after the death of his wife broke down in tears after police officers arrived with food and gifts for him.

The man, who lives in Ladywood, Birmingham, was left without essential items following his bereavement.

Birmingham neighbourhood officers WPC Rogers and PC Greaves took it upon themselves to arrange replacements and turn up unexpectedly on his doorstep armed with a bag of shopping and a brand-new television, microwave and toaster.

Ladywood Police tweeted: ‘Representing core values of neighbourhood policing .... PC Greaves and WPC Rogers delivered and set up items for the elderly gentleman .... safe to say it was a tearful moment and he was extremely grateful for the kindness.

‘He broke down crying in WPC Rogers arms .... he was a little bit overwhelmed, but he deserved it.’

According to the police, the man was left with ‘barely any possessions’ after his wife's family took her items after she died.

But neighbourhood officers WPC Rogers and PC Greaves rallied round and arranged for replacements. The pair used their neighbourhood contacts and enlisted the help of the charity Trident Reach, which provided the money to buy a replacement TV.

The officers also put the kettle on and made him a cup of tea and toast as they showed him how to work his new TV.

Since their kind-hearted gesture, both WPC Rogers and PC Greaves have been praised for helping the elderly man, with some people commenting on Twitter, saying it “feels them with happiness” and “it’s so refreshing to see this”.

The public have also been keen to help, donating items of furniture including a side table to place his brew on.

A spokesperson from Ladywood Police said: “We would just like to say a massive thank you for all the positive and kind messages of support and appreciation we have received. We do what we do because we care, not only in uniform but out of it also. We are very proud to help the public.”