Police say fire victim was murdered

Joan Biggs was last seen on Monday evening

Police have begun a murder investigation after determining an elderly woman had been violently attacked and her body set alight.

Military fire crews were called to a bungalow fire in Carlton Gardens, Kingsley, at 0910 GMT on Tuesday.

Crews found the body of 79-year-old widow Joan Biggs in her kitchen.

Detective Chief Inspector Charles Moffat said: "This is one of the most horrific murders I have come across in this county as Mrs Biggs had been the victim of some sort of crime and her body set on fire."

In-depth investigation

Mrs Biggs' dog, Grommit, a Jack Russell - bull terrier cross, was also found dead in the house, which had been ransacked.

DCI Moffat said a Home Office pathologist and forensic scientist were examining the woman's body.

Police are also looking at reports that Mrs Biggs had suffered nuisance crime in the past few weeks.

An incident room has been set up and 40 police officers are involved in the inquiry.