‘Cowardly’ killer on run after beating 85-year-old widow to death in home
AN 85-YEAR-OLD retired seamstress was battered to death in a “despicable” and “cowardly” attack in the bungalow she had lived in for more than 40 years.
Rosina Coleman was found dead by a handyman at her home in Ashmour Gardens, Romford, east London.
Metropolitan police believe she had been subjected to a “cowardly assault” between 7.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday before being left to die alone. She was found later in the day.
Following the attack, the killer fled the scene and remains on the run.
Police said formal identification had not yet been carried out but officers were confident the body was that of Ms Coleman, who had lived at the house alone following the death of her husband a number of years ago.
Yesterday neighbours were shocked upon hearing the news.
One friend, who did not wish to be named, said: “Rose was an incredible person. We were very good friends. She used to be a seamstress and to this day she still made all her own clothes. She used to press my clothes as well.
“My wife died a few years ago and her husband died 11 years ago. We helped each other through it.”
Freda Bridges, a pensioner who lives on the same street as Ms Coleman, said: “She was a very nice lady. She has a very nice family, but they live a long way away. The police have been here all night and forensics, and the road is closed. We used to get on the bus together and go into London. She was still very active and used to clean her windows and everything.”
Detectives appealed for any information about the incident after launching a murder inquiry yesterday. They were called by paramedics at around 11.30am on Tuesday.
Ms Coleman, who had suffered serious injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem was expected to take place today.
Det Insp Paul Considine, of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “This is a despicable incident in which the victim, an elderly lady who lived alone, had been subjected to a cowardly assault that left her with serious injuries. She was discovered by a handyman working at the address.
“I want to ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to call police immediately. It is imperative that we find those responsible for this horrendous offence.”