'Good response' to widow murder appeal

Joan Biggs was last seen on Monday evening

Police in Northampton are appealing to criminals to help with the inquiry into the murder of an elderly woman whose burned body was found on Tuesday.

Joan Biggs, a 79-year-old widow, had been violently attacked at her bungalow in Carlton Gardens, Kingsley, before her body was set alight.

Officers said they have had a good response from the public to initial appeals, but need more help - including from the criminal fraternity.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Moffat said: "The person who is responsible for this terrible crime has a very disturbed mind and is a very dangerous individual."

Home ransacked

He said the killing went "far beyond any normal type of criminal activity", and promised that any information would be treated with the "greatest sensitivity".

Detectives want to hear from anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area on Monday afternoon or evening.

Mrs Biggs' body was found in her kitchen at 0910 GMT on Tuesday by military fire crews.

Her home had been ransacked, and her dog was also killed.

About 50 officers are now involved in the inquiry, and specialist forensic scientists have been drafted in from across the country.

Mrs Biggs, who was born and bred in Northampton, had lived in Carlton Gardens for about 10 years.

Her husband Arthur died 20 years ago.

She is survived by two sons, four stepchildren and two grandchildren.