Gran, 82, dies af ter ‘ horrif ic and brutal attack’ at own home
AN 82- year- ol d grandmother has been murdered in a horrific attack at her own home which may have been triggered by a botched robbery attempt.
The body of Mary Logie was discovered in her living room by a concerned neighbour on Tuesday night.
It is thought the mother- of-three was battered to death at the house in Green Gates, Leven, Fife, with a rolling pin.
After police launched a murder investigation, her devastated family l ast night released a statement saying: ‘Mary (Rae) Logie, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend will be sadly missed. The family are assisting the police in the investigation and wish to be left alone at this difficult time.’
Mrs Logie, whose husband Walter died aged 56 in 1987, had two sons: Ronald, 59, Derek, 58, and a daughter, Caryl, 54.
Police said the pensioner was last seen alive at 8am on Tuesday. She had planned to visit a friend in hospital later that day but failed to turn up.
A worried neighbour found her body at around 8pm.
Mrs Logie, who had suffered head injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police Scotland’s major investigation team has launched a murder inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, who is leading the hunt, described it as a ‘brutal’ attack on a ‘defenceless 82-year-old’.
He added: ‘It was treated as a murder investigation from the outset because of what was found when the neighbour raised the alarm. Mary had been the victim of quite a horrific attack.
‘I spoke to the son this morning. I don’t think he’s taken it in yet. It’s a lot to take in.
‘Mary visited her family over Christmas so it wasn’t long since they had seen her. It will take a long time for that to sink in – the enormity of what has happened.’
Mrs Logie was a keen church- goer and a member of the Women’s Guild.
Police said there was no sign of a forced entry at the property.
The quiet street, where she had lived for decades, was turned into a major crime scene yesterday, with the area around Mrs Logie’s house cordoned off as officers carried out door-to-door enquiries.
Mr Hardie added: ‘ Mary was safe within her house on the morning of Tuesday, January 5. She spoke to a couple of neighbours and expressed her intention to go and visit a friend and do some shopping.
‘Between 8pm and 8.30pm one of the neighbours went to check on Mary, as she became slightly concerned. On entering the house Mary was found dead.
‘It was quite obvious that Mary had been the victim of some sort of assault. It’s too early to say whether t here i s anything missing.
‘Whether it is a matter of somebody trying the door and entering, possibly a “slip-in” type theft and Mary’s disturbed the individual, we just don’t know.’
Mrs Logie was described by neighbours as a quiet woman whose life revolved around Leven Parish Church.
Parish minister, Rev Gilbert Nisbet, said: ‘I am in shock at the senselessness of it. We will be saying a prayer for her at our service on Sunday.’
Neighbours last night spoke of their shock. Bill Cairns, 75, said: ‘Everyone round here is struggling to understand how this could happen. It’s a worry to think she may have been targeted.’
Charlie Gardiner 64, said: ‘ We have both lived here for around 45 years. It’s hard to take in.’
Last night family posted tributes online. One relative, Vikki Robertson, posted a picture of Mrs Logie holding a baby.
While granddaughter, Ceollaigh Logie said: ‘I still can’t believe Nan is gone. It hasn’t sank in yet. I miss Nan so much, but she’s with Granddad now. RIP.’
‘It will take a long time to sink in’