Police still questioning man over 'special' 81-year-old woman's death

A 23-year-old man is still being questioned by detectives over the murder of an "incredibly special" 81-year-old woman who was beaten over the head before being set on fire.

Albertina Choules was attacked at her home in Ragmans Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire. She was reportedly found on the lawn.

A post-mortem examination found that she died as a result of blunt trauma head injury before she was set on fire.

Her family said in a statement released through Thames Valley Police: "Tina was incredibly special, as was her simple, self-sufficient way of life with no electricity, television or washing machine.

"She never liked to sit still and worked tirelessly to maintain her beautiful garden and produce all year round.

"Even in her old age she would chop trees, dig up flowerbeds and wrestle with her lovely dog, Georgie. She was completely selfless in giving away her fantastic fruit and vegetables to friends and family as well as sharing her wonderful Buddhist stupas (that she built with her own hands) with those that chose to walk in the woodland.

"Her friends and family in both the UK and Italy will miss her very dearly."

A police spokesman said that detectives have until Sunday morning to question the suspect, who is from High Wycombe.