Killer 'would have been bloodied'

Annie McCartan had been celebrating her 75th birthday

The person who killed a grandmother in her home in County Down would have been covered "head to foot" in blood, police appealing for information have said.

Annie McCartan, who was celebrating her 75th birthday, was found by her two sons at home in the Summer Hill area of Warrenpoint on Thursday evening.

Detective Superintendent Tim Hanley said he believed somebody must have seen the killer leaving the area.

He said that the person who killed her was "exceptionally dangerous".

'Barbaric'

Issuing a fresh appeal for information on Saturday, Detective Superintendent Hanley said the killing was "barbaric".

I have been a police officer for 19 years and it must be one of the worst murder scenes I have ever encountered Detective Superintendent Tim Hanley

"It would appear that Mrs McCartan was brutally beaten and then repeatedly stabbed in her own home," the senior investigating officer said.

"I have no doubt that the person who carried out this horrendous murder would have been covered extensively in blood.

"That person had to have left the house, they would have had to go somewhere to get cleaned up. This crime occurred in broad daylight we believe some time from 1500 BST onwards."

He said police patrols have been stepped up in the residential area in an attempt to reassure local people.

"We would ask people to remain calm and I can assure the community we are deploying all necessary resources," he said.

"Terrible crimes against vulnerable members of the community do occur and cause alarm, but they are very rare."

He added: "I have been a police officer for 19 years and it must be one of the worst murder scenes I have ever encountered - it really was bad."

Annie McCartan was found in her home

The pensioner's neighbours and family are said to be deeply shocked by the attack.

Mrs McCartan had 13 children and was widowed about 20 years ago.

Police said it was a particularly brutal attack on a vulnerable woman.

An incident room has been set up to investigate the murder. A motive has not yet been established.