Burglary victim, 83, may have died of cold

AN 83-year-old woman found dead and tied up after a suspected burglary may have died of hypothermia, it was revealed today.

Eveline Kelmenson was found with her legs bound with tape in the bedroom of her London home on New Year's Day. She suffered no obvious injuries and early tests have now shown that she could have died of the cold as she lay tied up.

While a post-mortem examination yesterday proved inconclusive police sources told the Standard that the early signs were that hypothermia was the cause of death.

Scotland Yard has launched a murder inquiry into her death and today detectives issued an appeal for help to establish Mrs Kelmenson's last movements.

Police revealed that the last sighting of the pensioner so far was on 24 November - nearly six weeks before her body was found at her home in Stamford Hill. Sources say it was evident that her body had lain undiscovered for several days, if not weeks, but it was difficult to establish just when she had died.

When she was found police told neighbours that the house was very cold and the heating had been switched off.

Neighbours reported that Mrs Kelmenson had complained recently about being pursued for money.

Police believe thieves may have tricked their way into her home.

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3715, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.