Hunt for pensioner's murderer

Constance Davies was brutally attacked in her hallway

Murder squad detectives have revealed details of the "ruthless and peculiar" attack of an 87-year-old spinster in her own home.

Constance Davies died after being attacked in a hallway of her quiet, sheltered courtyard accommodation in the leafy Cardiff suburb of Penylan.

The attacker entered his victim's sheltered home

At a press conference on Thursday, it emerged that she had in fact opened her door to the man for the third time on the 6 August - the day of the attack.

More than 30 officers are hunting for the killer, who had "viciously" battered Miss Davies around the head.

Described as "bubbly and independent", she died in hospital 11 weeks later.

Third fatal knock

The lead-up to her death began on Saturday, 4 August, when the man - around 5ft 10ins and well-built - knocked on Miss Davies' door between 0800BST and 1100BST.

He inquired after a Rona Short - a name police believe he may have dreamed up to trick his victim.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Kemp told reporters how the 4ft 11ins pensioner - who lived alone and had no immediate family in the city - had directed him to a neighbour who might have been able to help.

Detective chief inspector Kemp is heading the investigation

But he returned minutes later to say he had found no luck. Inquiries have revealed that he had not approached any of her neighbours.

The two said goodbye and the pensioner must have thought that was the last she was to see of her house caller. It was not.

Two days later he returned.

After forcing down the door, he attacked six-stone Miss Davies in her hallway before stealing cash from her handbag in an upstairs bedroom.

"He battered around the head, causing her to fall to the floor, knocking her unconscious as she fell," said Mr Kemp.

Frightened of home

She had managed to crawl to a telephone to call an ambulance.

In hospital, she said she was too afraid to ever return to her own home she died on 27 October at Cardiff Royal Infirmary from a chest infection which medical tests have proved was triggered by the attack.

She had also suffered a fractured hip and bruising to her head and collarbone.

"It was a very peculiar and vicious attack," Mr Kemp said.

Pensioner's attacker

White

5ft 6 to 5ft 10

Short, dark, curly hair

Dressed in blue

Pointy nose and cheekbones

"Miss Davies was a very healthy 87-year-old - very independent, bubbly, relatively mobile for her age.

"Following the attack, she lost the will to go back to her home and deteriorated very quickly."

"It is odd. This person was checking out his target before he decided to go in and attack her.

He said the attacker was "ruthless and cowardly" and told anyone who might be harbouring the attacker: "Examine your conscience."

Meanwhile, the inquiry is focusing on the character - Rona Short - which was given by the attacker.

"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone called Rona Short or if you know someone by that name," he added.

Fairwater Police Station - 029 20 571530