Eveline Kelmenson

A post mortem of a Jewish 83-year-old woman found tied up and dead in her bedroom in Stamford Hill, north London on New Year's Day has not established a formal cause of death.

Further tests are being undertaken as police investigate who was responsible for the death of Eveline Kelmenson, known to her friends and family as Lina.

Police found her dead following a call from a relative who raised concerns.

According to a local resident, the pensioner said she was being hounded by someone. "She told me that there was somebody after her money but I didn't ask any more about it. I just assumed she was old and confused."

Other neighbours say Mrs Kelmenson looked after her brothers and sisters and following the death of her last sibling asked to be left alone.

"We need to establish Lina's last movements. I am appealing for anyone who saw Lina after November 24 2008 to please come forward," said Detective Caroline Goode."I am also appealing to anyone who has information relating to Lina or indeed the circumstances surrounding her death, to please come forward to police."

Detective Goode added: "From our enquiries, the picture we now have of Lina is that she was a fiercely independent lady, who had dedicated herself to looking after her late brothers and sisters who had all lived with her at the house. Lina is spoken of in warm terms by those who knew her. She was an upbeat person who was always smiling."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3715 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111