POLICE have launched a Murder investigation after an 85-year-old woman was found dead in her burned out home.

Officers believe Patricia Thompson was assaulted and died before the fire started at her home near Stockton.

Police and fire crews were called to a report of a fire at the property on Emma Simpson Court at Hartburn on Saturday at 11.30pm.

Mrs Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination carried out yesterday revealed that she died from injuries unconnected to the fire.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang from Cleveland Police’s Murder Investigation Team said: “We believe that Mrs Thompson was assaulted and died from her injuries prior to the fire starting.

"The investigation is at its early stages, but we need to build up a picture of Mrs Thompson’s life so that we establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

“We know that she was last spoken to at Saturday teatime and we are appealing for anyone who may have seen her, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Emma Simpson Court between 5.30pm and 11.30pm to come forward.

“Mrs Thompson was physically active and well known in the local community, and there is no reason why her life should have been cut short.

“Her family is understandably devastated about what has happened, and are trying to come to terms with her death.

“There is a full team of detectives working on this case to find out who is responsible and bring them to justice. “Incidents such as this are extremely rare, and we do have officers patrolling the area to provide advice and support, however we would stress the importance of members of the public contacting us with information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01642 301615.