HOW much more evidence did they need?

That was the question being posed by an anguished relative today after Crown prosecutors decided not to charge three youths over a burglary at a York war veteran's home, following which he suffered a stroke and later died.

The decision was taken despite police being handed a transcript of an online chatroom conversation, in which potential suspects were named.

Police said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had decided there was insufficient evidence to take the youngsters to court over the burglary at Thomas Shipley's Strensall home, during which his electric wheelchair was stolen.

Following the 86-year-old's death his son, Barrie, blamed the stress caused by the intruders, claiming: "As far as I am concerned, he was killed by the burglars."

Detective Sergeant Guy Wilson said today that a file had been sent by police to the CPS, which had decided there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution to be brought against the three youths, and they had now been released without charge.

"There was a lack of physical evidence, such as forensic evidence or witnesses that saw the lads with the wheelchair," he said.

"We repeatedly asked for witnesses to come forward, but that didn't happen. I feel very frustrated about this."

He stressed the case was not closed, and if any significant witness came forward the youths could be re-arrested.

Barrie Shipley said: "I feel frustrated. I just feel it's sad the state our society is in. I know these lads have done this. They appear to have no respect for anyone and they have got away with it and will think they can get away with it again in the future.

"They haven't learned their lesson, as I understand from the grapevine that they have been at it again. Their parents don't seem interested, otherwise they would have done something about it.

"How much more evidence did they need? Why couldn't they prosecute on the basis of the online conversations. They should have taken it to court and let the magistrates decide.

"People in Strensall feel very strongly about this. I was there at the weekend and every few minutes someone was coming up and asking me what was happening. I would say to people in Strensall: be on the look out, because you could be next."

A CPS spokesman said: "Having been provided with all evidence available in this case, and upon application of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, CPS advised North Yorkshire Police that there was insufficient evidence to charge those arrested."