Friends of a great grandmother stabbed to death in her flat have told of their "disgust" at the attack.
Irene Barrett, 88, was a pillar of the community who knitted blankets for local babies and pets, residents said.
Officers found Mrs Barrett, believed to be a retired secretary, at her flat in Charlton, south-east London.
A 34-year-old, believed to be living in the same block of flats, was arrested later on suspicion of murder, police sources said.
Fighting back tears, neighbour Claire Pickett, 30, said: "I just do not understand how anyone could do this.
"She was such a lovely lady. She used to knit blankets for premature babies and animals at Battersea Dogs Home. She even made a blanket for my baby when it was born. She was like a grandmother for all the young children here. A lot of her friends had died so she really was like the last one."
Ms Barrett was found with multiple stab wounds at her 15th floor flat in Valiant House, a high-rise block near Charlton Athletic football stadium. Forensic officers have been scouring the scene.
Mechanic John Moore, 57, who said she was known locally as 'Reeny', added: "She was a secretary with a very astute sense of values - I've known her for 20 years.
"There's a huge amount of shock and disgust on the estate. Everyone knew her as such a cheerful and pleasant person. It's a callous attack by cowards. She was widowed several years ago and has been living there on her own. She was a member of local community groups and played a very active and social part in the area."
Ms Barrett had at least one son and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, neighbours said.
