'We need to understand who wanted to kill our mum'

Rose Johnston was found at a property in Dovecot, Liverpool

The family of a woman believed to have been murdered in her own home has been described as a "compassionate" person who always gave to others despite not having much herself.

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 she died from a blunt-force head injury.

In a statement, Ms Johnton's family said she was "kind, caring, compassionate, intelligent, funny and sarcastic".

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

Her family said: "Mum was a tutor working in adult education for many years and she spent recent years volunteering for the Nugent group, working with people with special educational needs.

"And even though she didn't have very much, would always buy donations for the foodbank every time she did her shopping."

It added: "She was a very private person, but was truly family-orientated.

"Mum always looked out for and always cared for her whole family, often putting everyone else before herself."

"She is going to be sadly missed by all of us.

"We just can't understand who would want to hurt her this way and can't understand why after the challenges she has faced in her life would someone do this to my lovely mum."

Police have put out an appeal for witness who might have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Ancroft Road area.

"The investigation is moving at a pace and we are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry and speaking to friends and neighbours to build a picture of Rose's life," said Det Chief Insp Catherine Walsh.

"We know that she was a very private woman and that she liked to walk around the estate where she lived.

"We understand that incidents such as this can be very concerning for people living locally, particularly those who are elderly, but I want people to feel reassured that we are putting all our efforts into finding who is responsible."