Four held over death of woman, 77

Post-mortem tests showed Georgina Edmonds died from head injuries

Four men from a hostel for ex-offenders have been arrested over the murder of a 77-year-old woman at her home.

Georgina Edmonds' body was found by her son, Harry, at the house in Kiln Lane, Otterbourne, Hampshire, on Friday.

A post-mortem examination showed she died of head injuries. The men, aged 21, 28, 36 and 37, were arrested at Elderfield House hostel, Otterbourne.

They were taken to police stations around the county to be questioned by detectives, police said.

We would also like to hear from anyone who knows somebody who may have returned home with blood-stained clothing Det Ch Insp Paul Barton Hampshire Constabulary

Speaking on Monday afternoon, Det Ch Insp Paul Barton, of Hampshire Constabulary, said he wanted to hear from any potential witnesses.

"In particular we would like dog walkers, joggers, ramblers and anyone who knew Mrs Edmonds to contact us.

"Similarly we'd like to speak to anyone who used public transport in that area who may have seen anything suspicious.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who knows somebody who has been acting strangely since Friday, or who may have returned home with blood-stained clothing."

Serial sex attacker

The hostel is run by Christian charity, The Langley House Trust.

Residents at the hostel are believed to have their own keys and are not checked in at night.

In a previous case serial sex attacker Anthony Rice was released on life licence to Elderfield and was living there when he killed Naomi Bryant in August 2005.

Scottish-born Rice was 49 when he stabbed the 40-year-old mother nine months after being freed from a 16-year jail term for sex attacks.

He was jailed for a minimum of 25 years for her murder in October 2005.

On Monday, resident Mark Greenshield, who runs the White Horse pub in Otterbourne near the ex-offenders' hostel, called for it to be pulled down.

'Feelings are strong'

Mr Greenshield said: "The place is a holiday camp and I say pull it down.

"Feelings are strong in the village especially after the Anthony Rice case when lots of people went to a meeting in the village hall.

"I would feel safer living next to Broadmoor."

Winchester MP Mark Oaten has also called for the closure of Elderfield, although he emphasised the inquiry was in its early stages.

"For the 10 years I have been the MP Elderfield Hostel for ex-offenders has had my full support and I know the majority of the community have felt happy with the hostel as its neighbour.

"Two years ago serious concerns were raised when a resident at the hostel committed a murder nearby.

"Again I was supportive and the community understood the very unusual circumstances behind that case.

"I don't wish to make a knee-jerk reaction, but as the local representative for the community I have to put safety first."