11/03/2008

Murdered Pensioner 'Tortured' For Pin Number

A 77-year-old woman who was bludgeoned to death in her home in Hampshire had been tortured to reveal her pin number, police have revealed.

The body of Georgina Edmonds was discovered in her home in Kiln Lane, Brambridge on January 11 by her son.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she died from extensive head injuries, but police have now revealed that she also suffered other injuries, including stab wounds to her body.

Police said that a "kitchen paring knife or something of similar shape or size" could have made the wounds. However, the weapon has not been found.

It is thought that Mrs Edmonds may have been stabbed in order to make her reveal the pin number for her cash card. Several personal items were also taken during the attack, including Mrs Edmonds' handbag and keys.

Four people were arrested in connection with the attack on January 14, but were all subsequently released without charge.

The prime suspect in the case is a man, who was captured on CCTV wearing a fluorescent jacket, on the evening of Mrs Edmonds death, trying to take money from her account at a cash point in Eastleigh, just a few miles from her home.

Police are also trying to find two men who were seen on several occasions close to Brambridge Garden Centre, near Mrs Edmonds' home.

E-fits have been released of the men, but, so far, police have not been able to trace them.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barton said: "This was a horrific attack on an elderly lady who lived alone and we are continuing to urge the community to come forward with information that could help us find the person or people responsible."

(KMcA)


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