A quiet estate has been left in shock after a pensioner was killed just two days after Christmas.

Police were called to an address in Kennet Close, in Way Down Estate, off York Road, shortly before midday on Thursday December 27 following reports of a disturbance.

Officers found an 86-year-old woman, Delores Smith, suffering from head injuries and despite attempts to revive her she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem conducted at St Georges Hospital Mortuary on Friday gave the cause of death as head injuries.

Police arrested 49-year-old William "Buck" Smith, Atheldene Road, Wandsworth at the scene.

He appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with murder and assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty, was remanded in custody and was due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday January 2.

Neighbours in Kennet Close were horrified to find out what had happened just yards from their home.

One resident said: "The first thing we heard about it was when a friend called me to say there were police outside the house.

"We asked what happened but no one was saying anything.

"One woman who lives opposite said she heard shouting that morning but its all still a bit of mystery.

"I think she lived alone but people did used to visit her."