Murder probe after woman found dead at home

Rose Johnston was found at a property in Dovecot, Liverpool

Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman was found dead at a house.

Rose Johnston, 68, was found at a property on Ancroft Road in Dovecot in Liverpool at about 12:35 BST on Saturday, Merseyside Police said.

A post-mortem examination found she died from a blunt-force head injury.

Det Insp Catherine Walsh said forensic tests have been carried out at the scene and an investigation is underway.

"We understand how shocking and distressing this is and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mrs Johnston," Det Insp Walsh said.

Rose Johnston, 68, was found dead at her home on Ancroft Road, Dovecot

"I know people living in the local community will be understandably upset and concerned but I want them to be reassured we are doing everything in our powers to find the person responsible.

"We have a team of detectives who are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to establish Mrs Johnston's movements in the days leading up to her death, working through CCTV and doorbell camera footage and speaking to potential witnesses in the local area.

"I would ask anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously around Ancroft Road in the past few days, captured anything significant on a doorbell or dashboard camera or has any information which could assist our enquiries to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

"There will be a visible police presence in the area for the next few days and I would urge anyone with any concerns or questions to speak to our officers."