Mother and daughter murdered

An elderly woman and her adopted daughter have been found murdered in their home.

The bodies of Iris Jones, a widow in her 70s, and Mandy Joseph, 34, were discovered after police received a "frantic" 999 call last night.

Bedfordshire police said a woman rang 999 and the call was taken by a BT operator but by the time it had been transferred to police, the caller had gone.

Officers raced to the detached house in Hockliffe, near Leighton Buzzard, and found the bodies. Armed police carried out a search of the area.

The women were said to have tried to fight off their attacker but were eventually overpowered, detectives said.

Teams of forensic officers searched the five-bedroom house, set back from the A5 in an acre of land.

Police would not reveal how the women died.

A police source said: "We are dealing with a violent and unprovoked attack. We found the women on the floor. We are doing all we can to track down whoever did this."

Graham Adamson, who leases a petrol station and shop from Mrs Jones's family, said: "Mrs Jones was partially sighted and she had heart problems, as well as diabetes. Mandy, who was her adopted daughter, was like a carer for her mother."

Mr Adamson said: "Mandy and her mother wouldn't have done anything to harm a fly - that's what makes this so terrible.

"Mandy worked as a care nurse in Luton but made sure her mother was fine and needed nothing.

"I've been here five years and Mandy had always looked after Mrs Jones. She was a good listener and a nice person."

Mr Adamson said Mrs Jones, who he said was 78, couldn't get around without the aid of a walking stick. He added: "She had health problems and I think her days of socialising were over, but Mandy used to take her out."

Detective Superintendent Keith Garwood, who is leading the investigation, said: "We believe this is an isolated incident, however, serious offences of violence have been committed and we are yet to identify the offender, so we would urge anyone with information to contact us as a matter or urgency."

Police are analysing last night's 999 call, which they received at 7.44pm.

Anyone with information should telephone 01582 471212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.