This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/humber/8099405.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Gardener sought in murder inquiry Gardener sought in murder inquiry
(10 minutes later)
Detectives investigating the murder of an 85-year-old at her home in Hull want to speak to a man who was known to work on her garden.Detectives investigating the murder of an 85-year-old at her home in Hull want to speak to a man who was known to work on her garden.
Joan Charlton died from head injuries as a result of a "sustained and brutal attack", police said. Joan Charlton died from head injuries as a result of a "sustained and brutal attack". Police said every bone in her face had been broken.
Her body was found her home on West Parade on Thursday afternoon after a call from a member of the public. Her body was found at her home on West Parade on Thursday afternoon after a call from a member of the public.
Detectives said there were signs of a break-in and the property had been ransacked. Detectives said there were signs of a break-in and it had been ransacked.
Police said they wanted to trace a man in his 40s who had tended her garden.Police said they wanted to trace a man in his 40s who had tended her garden.
'Horrendous attack' 'Brutal attack'
He is believed to have parked his flat-back vehicle at the front of the victim's property.He is believed to have parked his flat-back vehicle at the front of the victim's property.
Senior investigating officer Det Supt Dena Fleming said: "This is a particularly horrendous attack on a defenceless old lady in her own home. Senior investigating officer Det Supt Dena Fleming said: "Joan died from a sustained and brutal attack.
"Forensic examinations are continuing at the property and investigations are on-going to establish the movements of Joan Charlton prior to her death. "She's died from head injuries but every bone in her face has been fractured.
"This was a violent attack of an elderly lady in her own home, where you would expect to fell safe and be safe."
The detective added: "Forensic examinations are continuing at the property and investigations are on-going to establish the movements of Joan Charlton prior to her death.
"It is is not clear at this time how long Joan had been dead prior to her body being discovered."It is is not clear at this time how long Joan had been dead prior to her body being discovered.
"I am appealing for anyone who has seen Joan recently, and also anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of Joan's home address or anyone with information about the man tending to Joan's garden to contact us a matter of urgency.""I am appealing for anyone who has seen Joan recently, and also anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of Joan's home address or anyone with information about the man tending to Joan's garden to contact us a matter of urgency."