Police probe 'senseless' murder

Hilary Crowley's body was found in her home

Police have launched a murder hunt following the "senseless" killing of a 64-year-old woman whose body was discovered in her Stirling home.

Neighbours had alerted police because of concerns for the welfare of Hilary Crowley, who was partially sighted.

Her body was found in her Cowane Street flat at about 1200 BST on Thursday.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who saw Mrs Crowley this week and are also hunting the man who robbed her in her home in February.

No-one has been arrested in connection with that crime, despite what Central Scotland Police described as "extensive investigations".

Detective Inspector Graham Bye said Mrs Crowley was a private woman who lived on her own.

We have still to establish a motive for this senseless crime committed against a respected elderly member of the community who was particularly vulnerable Detective Inspector Graham Bye

Officers found her body after forcing entry to her house on Thursday.

Police said that they were treating her death as murder following a post-mortem examination.

A team of about 60 officers, including forensic experts, is investigating the death.

"At this time we have still to establish a motive for this senseless crime committed against a respected elderly member of the community who was particularly vulnerable," said DI Bye.

"I wish to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Cowane Street between Monday, 10 May, and 1200 on Thursday.

"I would also ask anyone who saw Hilary between these times to contact the police."

He also urged anyone who knew Mrs Crowley to come forward.

'Extremely shaken'

DI Bye said Mrs Crowley had been the victim of a robbery in her home on the evening of 6 February.

"She answered the door and was met by a man who pushed her into the house, threatened her with violence and robbed her of a three-figure sum of money.

"The person responsible then made off, leaving Hilary obviously extremely shaken.

"Hilary had very poor eyesight and so therefore the only description she could provide us with was that the man was between 16 and 20 years of age and was about 6ft 2in in height and of slim build.

"Despite extensive investigations into this inquiry no person has been traced."

He said officers were keen to hear from anyone with information on the robbery.