'Shock' over fatal flat stabbing of London woman, 88

Friends and neighbours of a great-grandmother who was stabbed to death in her south-east London home have expressed their shock at the attack.

Irene Barrett, 88, was found with multiple stab wounds in her flat in Valiant House, Sam Bartram Close, Charlton, on Saturday morning.

Resident John Moore said there was "shock and disgust" on the estate.

A 34-year-old man arrested in connection with her murder is being questioned by officers.

Police believe Mrs Barrett was killed in a burglary which "escalated" into murder.

'Callous attack'

Mr Moore, 57, who has know "Reeny" for 20 years, said: "Everyone knew her as such a cheerful and pleasant person.

"It's a callous attack by cowards. She was widowed several years ago and has been living there on her own.

"It's devastating for us. We had not seen much of her lately but a couple, who were away this weekend, were keeping an eye on her.

"They're not due back until tomorrow - it will come as a horrible shock."

Neighbour Claire Pickett, 30, said: "I just do not understand how anyone could do this.

"She was such a lovely lady. She used to knit blankets for premature babies, and animals at Battersea Dogs Home.

"She even made a blanket for my baby when it was born. She was like a grandmother for all the young children here.

"A lot of her friends had died so she really was like the last one."