Mother 'was killed when she disturbed burglars'

A mother of two has been found dead in her home after what is believed to be a bungled burglary.

Jill Grinsted, 62, was discovered by a neighbour who noticed the door wide open and front window smashed.

Scotland Yard launched a murder inquiry and said one possibility was that she had died after disturbing burglars at her £400,000 home in Colliers Wood.

Former colleagues of Ms Grinsted at Sainsbury's said she had retired last year because of ill health.

Police said they were waiting for the results of a post mortem to establish how she died.

Her daughter, Lucile, whom she lived with, was today being comforted by friends, while her son, Nigel, 31, was returning from holiday in Australia to be with his family. Both were said to be "deeply shocked".

Barry Honeyands, who lives opposite and had known Ms Grinsted for 30 years, said: "She was a lovely, friendly woman. She had lived in the area all her life, as did her father. Her daughter and her ex-husband Dennis were in the street crying. It is such a shock."

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Duthie, of Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "Various residents have reported hearing suspicious noises through the night such as glass smashing and raised voices, perhaps in an argument. I am appealing for anyone who has information to get in touch."

Contact the Incident Room at Sutton on 0207 8721 4155 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.