An elderly widow has been murdered in a suspected break in, as neighbours have said the area has been targeted by burglars.

Pensioner Dorothy Woolmer’s body was discovered about 10.45am on Sunday in Tottenham, north London. She had been assaulted and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Officers believe one or more suspects gained entry to the woman's house in Waltheof Gardens at some point between Saturday evening and Sunday morning," said a statement from the Metropolitan Police.

Police said the pensioner, who is understood to have lost her husband earlier this year, had "clearly been assaulted."

The statement added that they "haven't ruled out burglary as a motive, but they retain an open mind".

One resident described Mrs Woolmer as being a "good neighbour".

The elderly man, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "We were just good neighbours.

"You couldn't wish for a better neighbour."

The neighbour branded the attack as "disgusting" and said there had been a burglary nearby a few weeks ago.

He added: "We had a burglary only two doors away about three weeks ago. Whether they were sussing the place out I don't know."