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Murder police hold man after savage attack on widow, 85
AN elderly widow found dead in her home was beaten in a merciless attack that has shocked police and neighbours.
Joan Charlton, a fit and sprightly 85-year-old, was the victim of a "sustained and brutal" beating that broke every bone in her face.
A 20-year-old Hull man was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of murder.
He remained in police custody last night.
Anyone with information was last night urged to call the major incident room at Tower Grange Police Station in Hull on 01482 796271.
Police said the pensioner had lived alone since the death of her husband 35 years ago, and had such little regular contact with the outside world that she might have been dead a week before being found.
A friend made the grim discovery in the hallway of her home in Hull last Thursday after failing to get an answer at the front door and finding signs of a break-in at the back.
Police at first revealed little about the scene but yesterday spoke out following the results of a post mortem.
Those investigating the slaying last night said they were stunned by the injuries to Mrs Charlton's head and face and are at a loss to explain why such violence was necessary.
Det Supt Dena Fleming, who is leading the inquiry, said: "It was a horrific attack on an elderly widow who lived alone and who should have felt safe in her own home.
"For this to happen to her when she is normally fit and well is so tragic."
It is thought Mrs Charlton may have been the victim of a bungled burglary. Police say there was evidence of a forced entry into the two-storey house in West Parade, Hull, which had been ransacked.
But because the victim was the only person with familiar knowledge of the contents of her home, it is yet to be established if anything is missing.
The picture of Mrs Charlton issued by police as they try to piece together her last movements was one she had put up of herself in her home.
It shows a smart and grandmotherly woman sitting on a park bench with her hands clasped, offering a benign smile to the camera.
The murder has provoked outrage, shock and sadness in the local community.
In the small front garden, which Mrs Charlton cherished, floral tributes had been laid yesterday.
They were accompanied by small cards bearing simple messages of shock and sympathy, some from those who had known her a lifetime and others from people who scarcely knew her.
One read: "Didn't know your name.
"I didn't see you much but you really didn't deserve this to happen to you love.
"We are all shocked and just pray that those responsible are brought to justice."
Another said: "You will be missed Joan very much.
"I'll miss my chats with you. You didn't deserve this.
"Remember my childhood memories with you."
Another recalled happier times in the red-brick terraced properties.
"So sorry Joan," it said.
"Remembering the good times living next door at number four.
"Old neighbour. You will be sadly missed."
A man living opposite, who did not want to be named, said he had spoken to Mrs Charlton perhaps six times in the 18 years he had lived there.
But he knew enough to describe her as a houseproud woman who spent hours tending her garden.
"It's a complete shock to everyone," he said.
"I used to see her doing her garden because that was her pride and joy.
"Ten years ago you would see her in the garden at the front and back, she had every flower you could think of, she was very proud of it."
Mrs Charlton is believed to have lived there for at least 30 years.
Her only family are a sister in Hull and a brother in Leicester. The front and rear of the terraced property remained cordoned off yesterday and was being guarded by police as forensic examinations continued.
A broken window pane in the back door suggested where the intruder may have got in.
Det Supt Fleming appealed forhelp in establishing Mrs Charlton's last movements and
urged anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.
She said: "Forensic examinations are taking place at the property and investigations are ongoing to establish Joan's movements prior to her death, as it is not clear at this time how long she had been dead prior to her body being discovered
"She used to go out to the post office and the shops but at the moment we haven't got the last time she was alive.
"I am appealing for anyone who has seen Joan recently, or anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of Joan's home address to contact us as a matter of urgency."
Police believe Mrs Charlton may have been killed sometime between Saturday, June 6, and the following Monday.
A post mortem examination revealed that she died of head injuries.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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