A pensioner murdered in her own home may have been attacked in a burglary gone wrong, police said today.
Nelly Akomah, 76, was found fatally injured at the bottom of the stairs at her home in Croydon, south London.
Neighbours claimed her CCTV had been cut and the alarm disconnected just before the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who is leading the murder inquiry for Metropolitan Police, say one line of enquiry the force is investigating is Ms Akomah, a church leader, may have been targeted in a burglary initially.
Nelly's devastated family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives have renewed their appeal for information. There have been no arrests.
DCI Blackburn said: “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.
"At this stage, we are investigating the possibility that there was a burglary at Nelly’s address."
DCI Blackburn added: “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 June 20 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.”
Mum-of-four Kamaleta Blake, 70, who has lived on the street for 23 years, said: "The police came yesterday, there were loads of them, plain-clothed officers, forensics, detectives.
"They were here in their numbers. They came out with evidence bags.
“The alarm had been disconnected and that’s why they are doing forensics. Obviously people tried to resuscitate her but she had already died."
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, responsible for policing in the Croydon area, said: “This is an incredibly heart-breaking incident and my thoughts are with Nelly’s family and friends.
“I am conscious that there has been speculation on social media and possibly shared in the local community.
"I appreciate that such speculation is an inevitable part of a police investigation of this nature.
"While I am in no doubt that many people are acting in good faith, I want to ask people to think of Nelly’s family who may read what is posted online.
"Some of the details posted will no doubt add to what is already an incredibly distressing time for them."
