A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an 89-year-old woman in her home in Tottenham, north London, the Metropolitan police said.

Detectives confirmed the man was arrested in the Tottenham area shortly before 6pm on Monday, and had been taken into custody at a north London police station. Police named the victim as Dorothy Woolmer.

Police were called to an address in Waltheof Gardens at 10.45am on Sunday, where Woolmer’s body was discovered. Scotland Yard said she had been assaulted and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe her killer, or killers, gained entry to the house between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and have not ruled out burglary as a motive.

On Monday neighbours paid tribute to Woolmer. One described how she had lived at the terraced home with her husband Kenneth, who died a few years ago.

The neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “They have lived here for more than 70 years. Kenneth was ex-navy, she was a housewife.

“They were pleasant, would give you the time of day. You couldn’t wish for a better neighbour.”

Another neighbour, John Cerisier, 72, said he had been shocked to hear of the death. “I have lived here 44 years and I have known them all that time,” he said. “They were a very devoted couple. It’s just shocking what happened.”

Sayed Hussain, 40, who also lives close by, said: “It’s terrible, it should never have happened. I haven’t got a single word to explain my sorrow.”

A police cordon remained around the house on Monday, with forensic officers in blue boiler suits seen searching the area.