A pensioner found dead in her own home last night has been named as 74-year-old Anne James from Walsall.

Mrs James’ body was discovered by a neighbour at around 6pm on Wednesday evening at a house in Doveridge Place, Highgate.

She was pronounced dead at the scene and early indications are that she has suffered knife injuries; a post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death. 

West Midlands Police has launched a murder investigation and Detective Superintendent Tom Chisholm from the force’s Homicide Team is keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area. He said:

“This appears to be a shocking, violent attack on an elderly lady in her home. Mrs James has been described as a kind and loving lady and her family are devastated. They can’t understand how anyone could do her any harm.

“We have conducted house-to-house enquiries and are in the process of seizing local CCTV footage that will hopefully help us build up a picture of what happened yesterday around her home address.

“We suspect Mrs James was attacked at some stage from late morning to 5pm yesterday. If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious, maybe someone or a vehicle that looked out of place, then I’d urge them to call my team immediately as they could hold vital information."

Mrs James’ family have released a photograph and touching tribute to her. It reads:

'We are all devastated at the loss of a loving wife, mum, grandma and great grandma. She was an amazing, generous, kind, and much loved part of our family; she will be very sadly missed.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team on 101 quoting log number 1636 28/2.