This is the first picture of a “loving” grandmother who was found dead after a suspected burglary in her south London home.
Church leader Nelly Akomah, 76, was found fatally injured at the bottom of the stairs at 10.40am on Wednesday, according to neighbours.
Residents in Ladbrook Road, Croydon claimed that the pensioner had her CCTV security systems cut before the attack as police investigate the motive.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: “At this stage, we are investigating the possibility that there was a burglary at Nelly’s address.
“I must stress that our investigation is in its very early stages and we are working to establish what exactly has happened.”
A neighbour, aged 62, told the Standard: “She was found at the bottom of stairs we are told. The belief is that it was an intruder maybe there to steal her stuff and she interrupted them.
“We are heartbroken she was our neighbour for 20 years. A lovely churchgoing woman. She was always very well dressed. She was not doddery, she was very strong and always out doing her own shopping, she certainly wouldn’t have just fallen down the stairs. Just a smart, smiley, lady.”
Dame Susan Solanke, Lay president of Ms Akomah’s Nigeria Methodist Mission UK, said in a statement her death was a “big blow” to the mission.
Paying tribute, she added: “Sister Nelly, only last week we were all at a weekend retreat, full of life.“You were such a valuable member of the mission who will be sorely missed. My heart is broken with this cruel, mindless and senseless attack. I pray God brings the culprits to book as soon as possible.”
Ayodeji Okegbile, a fellow member of Nigeria Methodist Mission UK, paid tribute to the pensioner asking followers to keep the police investigation in their prayers.
He said: “Nigeria Methodist Mission UK and Ireland are very sorry to announce the loss of our long-standing leader and beloved mother, Mrs Nelly Akomah who passed away yesterday after an overnight attack in her residence in London.
“She will always be dearly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with her loving children, grandchildren, family, Tooting Methodist Church, Nigerian Fellowship, and close friends.”
He added: “Please remember the police in your prayers as they continue their investigation.”
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.
Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and would like to speak with anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Ladbrook Road.
DCI Kate Blackburn added: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Nelly’s family and friends. Nelly was active in her church and her loss will be keenly felt by many people.
“I don’t underestimate the level of concern in the local community following this shocking incident and there are various suggestions circulating about what may have happened.
“I want to reiterate my appeal to the wider public. We need to know what led to Nelly’s sad death.
“If you haven’t already spoken to officers and you have information, footage or anything that could help our investigation please do so without delay.
“Were you in the area of Ladbrook Road, Croydon during the evening of the 20 June between 10pm and midnight?
“Do you have any dash cam footage? Did you see anyone else in the area or any activity that you thought may be out of the ordinary? If you can help, we need to hear from you.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in Croydon, said: “This is an incredibly heart-breaking incident and my thoughts are with Nelly’s family and friends.
“For the wider community, I know you will be concerned, feeling uneasy and have a lot of questions about what happened.
“I want to reassure Nelly’s family and the community that the investigation team are working diligently to establish the facts.
“People in the local area will see an increased police presence over the coming days and I would encourage anyone to come forward and speak to them to share information or to raise any concerns they may have.”
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
