Killer to serve at least 16 years

Ellen Portsmouth died the day after being attacked

A man who murdered a 79-year-old woman in what police called a "sustained and brutal assault" in her Staffordshire home has been jailed for life.

Ellen Portsmouth died on 7 November, a day after being attacked at her home in Wellington Street, Burton-upon-Trent.

Irfan Salim, 25, of Waterloo Street, Burton-upon-Trent, earlier admitted the murder. He was told at Stafford Crown Court he would serve at least 16 years.

Police said they may never know what motivated Salim to attack her.

The court heard he had been working in the local post office and would often collect Mrs Portsmouth's pension for her.

Police said they might never know what motivated Salim

On the evening of 6 November he attacked her leaving her with broken ribs and severe bruising to her left side.

Mrs Portsmouth was taken to Burton's Queen's Hospital but died the following evening.

Insp Javid Oomer, of Staffordshire Police, said: "Although we may never know what motivated Salim, this was a vicious and unprovoked attack on an elderly woman.

"The taking of Ellen's life was a violent and senseless act and our thoughts are with her family and friends."