Wisbech: Pensioner Stabbed & Set On Fire

17 January 2013, 15:51 | Updated: 17 January 2013, 17:41

Cambridgeshire Police say an 86 year old woman, murdered at home in Wisbech, was stabbed and set on fire.

The body of Una Crown [pictured - right] was discovered at her home in Magazine Lane, Wisbech, at 10:45am on Sunday (13 January).

Her death was initially treated as unexplained, before a post-mortem examination found she had been assaulted.

Tests revealed she had died as a result of being stabbed in her neck and chest.

Her clothing had also been set on fire.

The fire did not spread to the rest of the house, and self-extinguished.

Forensic examinations are continuing at Mrs Crown's bungalow, and officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Hutchinson said: "This was a horrific murder of a defenceless elderly woman in her own home.

She was stabbed several times then set on fire in an apparent attempt by her killer to hide her injuries and destroy evidence.

The fire damage meant it was difficult to initially establish the cause of Mrs Crown's death. However the stab wounds were revealed during the post mortem on Tuesday evening.

I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible for this brutal murder.

Did a friend or loved one come home on Saturday night or Sunday afternoon smelling of smoke?

I would urge you to do the right thing and call police to ensure the killer is caught and brought to justice."

Cambridgeshire Police added there was no evidence of a sexual assault and the property had not been ransacked.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Major Crime Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.