Family pay tribute to woman, 89, found murdered in her home

The family of an 89-year-old woman who was murdered in her home have paid tribute to a “wonderful, beautiful woman, who was full of life”.

Dorothy Woolmer’s body was discovered at her terraced house in Tottenham, north London, on Sunday morning.

Scotland Yard said she had been assaulted and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe her killer or killers gained entry to her home in Waltheof Gardens between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and have not ruled out burglary as a motive.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in the Tottenham area on suspicion of murder shortly before 6pm on Monday and remains in custody at a north London police station.

In a statement released by the Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, Mrs Woolmer’s great nephew, who did not want to be named, said her family have been left “completely shocked”.

“Dot was a wonderful, beautiful woman, who was full of life,” he said.

“She always had something to talk about and was still hands-on with everything she did despite her age.

“She was extremely self-sufficient and would still cook all of her meals herself and get herself up and down her stairs.

“She was a sister, wife, auntie and dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.”

Police continue to appeal for information after Mrs Woolmer’s body was discovered at around 10.45am on Sunday.

Detective Chief Inspector Garry Moncrieff said: “The woman had clearly been assaulted and, as such, a murder investigation has been launched.

“I want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in and around Waltheof Gardens and the surrounding area on Saturday night or Sunday morning.”

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the victim had lived at the house with her husband Kenneth, who used to be in the navy, before he died.

“They have lived here for more than 70 years,” he said.

“We were just good neighbours. They were pleasant, would give you the time of day.

“You couldn’t wish for a better neighbour.”

He branded the attack “disgusting”, adding: “It’s bloody awful.

“We had a burglary only two doors away about three weeks ago. Whether they were sussing the place out I don’t know.”

Another neighbour, John Cerisier, said he had been shocked to hear of Mrs Woolmer’s death.

The 72-year-old said: “I have lived here 44 years and I have known them all that time.

“They were a very quiet couple. They kept themselves to themselves. They were a very devoted couple.

“It’s just shocking what happened.”

Mr Cerisier said the couple had lived in the house since the late 1940s and Mrs Woolmer had been a housewife and keen gardener.

“It’s very sad. She lived to such an age and to end up like that, it’s horrible,” he added.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 3149/04aug or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.