First look at Romford murder scene where 85-year-old woman was killed

First pictures from the scene of the murder investigation in Romford have shown a police tent outside of a house and forensics teams leaving the premises.

Earlier today (Wednesday, May 16) police launched an investigation after an 85-year-old woman who lived alone was found dead in her Romford home with serious injuries.

Police officers were called to Ashmour Gardens just after 11.30am yesterday (Tuesday, May 15) to reports of a woman found dead in her home.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.

The woman, aged 86, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next-of-kin have been informed.

There have been no arrests.

Det Insp Paul Considine, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command unit, is leading the investigation.

He said: “This is a despicable incident in which the victim, an elderly lady who lived alone, had been subjected to a cowardly assault that left her with serious injuries.

“She was discovered by a handyman working at the address.

“We suspect the incident to have occurred between 07.30am and 11:30am on 15 May.

“I want to ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to call police immediately; did you hear anyone in distress or notice someone in the area who may have looked out of place?

“Even a fragment of information is beneficial to our investigation. It is imperative that we find those responsible for this horrendous offence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3734 quoting reference 2714 of 15 May.

Alternatively call 101, tweet @MetCC, or contact Crimestoppers anomously via 0800 555 111.