Eighty-seven-year-old Margaret Hawkins lived alone in a modest bungalow in the quiet community of Orpington, a suburban town in southeast London, England. Described by neighbors as a kind and resilient woman, she was well-known in the tight-knit community, often exchanging waves and pleasantries. However, her sense of security had already been shaken by two prior burglary attempts earlier in 2007. In June, two men entered her home through an unlocked door, restrained her, and stole her belongings. In August, she thwarted another attempt by refusing to open her door and alerting a neighbor, causing the would-be intruders to flee.
On the fateful day of November 16th, 2007, two white men, described as being between twenty-five and forty years old, forced their way into her residence. They pushed Margaret onto the sofa, then ransacked her home, stealing personal property and cash, including her handbag. After the robbers fled, Margaret managed to speak with the police, but the trauma proved overwhelming. During the interview, she collapsed from shock and was rushed to the Princess Royal University Hospital. Tragically, she passed away two days later on November 18th, her death attributed to the stress and trauma of the attack.
The Metropolitan Police launched a murder investigation, describing the crime as a despicable act against a vulnerable member of society. Detectives released descriptions of the suspects based on Margaret’s account and witness statements. The first suspect was notably large, possibly weighing 280–350 pounds, with brown cropped hair, swept bangs, and wearing a white or light gray T-shirt and dark jogging pants. The second suspect was slimmer, of medium build, with brown hair, dressed in a dark T-shirt and dark jogging pants. A composite sketch of the heavier suspect was released to the public, along with computer-generated images to illustrate the suspects’ builds.
Police also sought to trace a black van seen driving slowly through the Charterhouse Road area around midday on November 16th, as well as a red flat-back van spotted in the vicinity, which may have been connected to the crime.
A significant breakthrough came when Margaret’s stolen handbag was recovered on Christmas Eve, found under a tree at a garden center in Chislehurst and handed over to the police. Despite this, no arrests were made.
Margaret had no immediate family, only distant cousins in Bexhill-on-Sea, but she was far from isolated. Her neighbors were her extended family, and the repeated targeting of her home left them questioning the safety of their quiet street. One neighbor recalled waving to Margaret on the morning of the attack, noting that she didn’t wave back, an unusual behavior that suggested she may have already been fearful.
As of 2025, the murder of Margaret Hawkins remains one of London’s unsolved cases. The Metropolitan Police continue to treat it as an active investigation.
Crime Immemorial 