A PENSIONER found trembling with fear in a utility room at her home died of natural causes, medical tests have revealed.

Detectives leading the investigation into Kathleen Roberts' death have ruled out the possibility of murder.

At a news conference, they said the post-mortem examination report into the Stockton woman's death had raised as many questions as it answered.

When the 86-year-old was found by her nephew, at 8pm on Tuesday, it appeared as though she had barricaded herself into the room to avoid intruders.

But officers now believe her failing health could have contributed to the suspicions surrounding her death in the University Hospital of North Tees on Thursday.

The man leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, said yesterday that officers were keeping an open mind.

He said: "There are no signs of any apparent forced entry. Things that you normally expect to be stolen, for example cash that was in clear view, have not been stolen.

"It is extremely important we establish exactly what happened immediately prior to Kathleen being found in a state of collapse."

Mrs Roberts' son is travelling to the North-East from his home in Tasmania, while her daughter is believed to have arrived from Hull.

Forensic experts are still scouring the property looking for fingerprints, while officers are investigating local criminals who are known to have carried out similar offences.

Investigators are still not ruling out foul play.

The pensioner is believed to have been suffering from failing health, and the Home Office pathologist concluded she died of a heart aneurysm.

Bruising found on the Mrs Roberts' body could just as easily been caused by a fall as an attack, the detective said.

Neighbours are being asked if they can help fill in the missing 24 hours between Mrs Roberts' last-known sighting and her discovery in a terrified state.