Outrage at 'cowardly' killing of widow aged 88

Relatives have been left "devastated" by the murder of Irene Barrett, 88, police added.

Officers found Mrs Barrett, a retired secretary, with multiple knife wounds at her flat in Charlton, south-east London, yesterday morning.

A 32-year-old woman was yesterday arrested in connection with her death, Scotland Yard said. Police were holding a 34-year-old man, believed to be living in the same block of flats, on suspicion of murder.

Her friends spoke of their "disgust" at the "cowardly" attack and told how she knitted blankets for local babies and pets.

Speaking at the crime scene, Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons said: "Irene was a well liked and well known member of the community. She was an active member of the residents' association.

"Her family are devastated at what has happened. Irene suffered multiple stab wounds and appears to have been severely beaten.

"Her flat was ransacked and some of her property was stolen, including jewellery and cash.

"This sort of crime is very unusual. We need the public to come forward to assist us."

Police, who said her carers had raised the alarm, have yet to reveal details of the results of her post-mortem examination.

Mrs Barrett had a son, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She had lived alone at the flat for the past 20 years.

Fighting back tears, neighbour Claire Pickett, 30, said: "I just do not understand how anyone could do this. She was such a lovely lady. She used to knit blankets for premature babies and animals at Battersea Dogs' Home.

"She even made a blanket for my baby when it was born. She was like a grandmother for all the young children here. A lot of her friends had died, so she really was like the last one."

Ms Barrett lived on the 15th floor flat in Valiant House, overlooking Charlton Athletic football stadium.

Forensic officers were scouring the scene.

Mechanic John Moore, 57, who said she was known locally as "Reeny", added: "There's a huge amount of shock and disgust on the estate. It's a callous attack by cowards. She was widowed several years ago and has been living there on her own."