An elderly woman has been stabbed to death in her south-east London home during a suspected burglary.
The woman, believed to be in her late 80s, was found with multiple stab wounds in her flat in Sam Bartram Close, Charlton, on Saturday morning.
Scotland Yard said her next of kin had been informed and formal identification would take place later.
"At this early stage we believe this is a burglary which has escalated into murder," said Det Ch Insp Cliff Lyons.
"This is a violent attack resulting in the death of an elderly lady in her own home.
"I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the police immediately."
The Metropolitan Police said a murder investigation had been started and an incident room had been set up at Lewisham police station.
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