'Unworthy, tragic end' for charity worker, 85

The family of a murdered pensioner today told how she devoted her life to charity and working in the community.

Anne Mendel, 85, was found by her husband slumped in a heap of "blood and blankets" by the stairs of the couple's north London home.

Police believe thieves forced their way into the house and that she was stabbed.

Her son, Yitzhak, made a fresh appeal for help in tracing the killer.

Speaking from his home in Manchester, he said: "My mother spent every day of the week performing good deeds and charity work. She devoted her whole life to visiting the sick, helping friends and neighbours and bringing a smile to everyone she knew - even complete strangers.

"We find it very difficult to grasp that after a life so rich, she should receive such an unworthy and tragic end."

Mrs Mendel and her husband, Leonard, 80, attended a synagogue close to their home in Golders Green.

Family friend Rabbi Chaim Pearlman, of the nearby Machzike Hadath Synagogue, said Mrs Mendel had been highly respected in her religious community.

The couple, who were married for 50 years, also have a daughter, Barbara, and 14 grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Detectives are still trying to establish if anything was stolen from the house. The attack was between 9am and

10.30am on Monday while Mr Mendel was out on an errand.

Anyone with information should contact police on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.