Police have launched a murder investigation after an 85-year-old woman was found dead at her home in Romford.
A handyman discovered her body in her home in Ashmour Gardens yesterday morning.
Initially, police were treating it as “unexplained” but now police say they believe she was assaulted.
The road is still closed as forensic examiners look into what happened.
Lead investigator DI Paul Considine, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, 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.
“We suspect the incident to have occurred between 7.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday, 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.”
A post-mortem is being held tomorrow.
Police say no arrests have been made.
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 anonymously via 0800 555 111.
Tags: Romford, Havering
