Bridgwater murder: Victim was 'devoted' to community

A woman aged in her 80s died at her home in Broomfield, near Bridgwater

Neighbours of an elderly woman fatally wounded at her home have described her as a "devoted member of the community".

A murder investigation was launched on Monday after the woman, aged in her 80s, died after sustaining serious injuries at the property in Broomfield, near Bridgwater, at about 17:45 BST.

Police had initially attended following reports of a burglary in progress.

The victim, named locally as Bez Purdy, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the incident at around 20:40 BST on Monday, he was later assessed by a mental health professional.

The man was deemed not fit for interview or to be detained in police custody.

He was sectioned under section two of the Mental Health Act and transferred to a mental health unit.

Police said a mandatory conduct referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning action taken following a missing person report from an inpatient psychiatric facility made earlier that day.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Broomfield

In a tribute neighbours said: "Having been lucky enough to have known Bez as a close family friend for over 20 years we were devastated to learn of her passing late on Monday afternoon.

"Bez was a charismatic person and a devoted member of our community having been our church warden for as long as we can remember.

"Our best memories of Bez were having daily chats over the church wall and her unsuspecting dry sense of humour."

Rev Mary Styles from The Church of St Mary & All Saints said: "The community is in shock and we are all deeply saddened by this incident.

"As a church community we are holding the family of the deceased, as well as the wider community, in our prayers and the church remains available to anyone who feels they need support at this tragic time."

Avon and Somerset Police said a forensic post-mortem examination has been conducted but formal identification is yet to take place.

The force is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]