Romford murder: Woman, 85, found beaten to death at home in east London

Fiona Simpson16 May 2018
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A murder probe has been launched after an 85-year-old woman was found beaten to death at her home in east London.

The pensioner, who lived alone, was named by police as Rosina Coleman.

She was found dead by a handyman working at her home in Romford on Tuesday morning.

Police and paramedics rushed to the address in Ashmour Gardens around 11.30am but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police search a drain near the house where the victim was found
PA

Scotland Yard have launched a murder investigation over the “despicable, cowardly” attack.

Detective Inspector Paul Considine who is leading the investigation 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 7.30am and 11.30am on May 15.

“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.”

Rosina Coleman, 85, was found beaten to death at her home in Romford

Ms Coleman's next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem examination is set to take place on Thursday.

An elderly neighbour who did not wish to be named paid tribute to the victim, calling her an "incredible woman".

The 83-year-old said: "It's such a sad thing. I can't get my head around it.

"I can't think of anybody that would want to harm her.

"She was a seamstress and still made all her own clothes, she made a suit a week, a very incredible person.

"She lost her husband around 11 years ago and took it terribly. She couldn't face the world. If it wasn't for her children..."

The neighbour said the victim was already living in Ashmour Gardens when he moved in around 48 years ago.

Jackie Harwood, 72, said she would meet Mrs Coleman on Saturdays for British Legion events at the Romford branch.

She said: "She was a lovely person who was always happy, always dancing.

"She was popular and would cook bread pudding and bring it in for everyone. She would always talk about her family as well.

"This is just terrible, everybody is shocked."

No arrests have been made yet, police said.

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.

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