Police have confirmed that a woman who died at an address in Elm Park last night was 77 years old.

It comes as officers issued an appeal for information following the death in Cowdray Way yesterday evening (May 2).

The family of the woman are “desperately trying to understand what happened”, police have said.

A 79-year-old man, who was known to the woman, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service attended Cowdray Way where they found a 77-year-old woman with head injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman’s family have been informed of her death and police said a post-mortem would take place in due course.

A crime scene remains in place while detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command investigate.

Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers said: “Although a person is in custody, this is still an active investigation and we are gathering as much information as possible. If you know anything that could assist detectives, please contact us at the incident room.

“We have a family desperately trying to understand what has happened - your information could give them the answers they need and deserve.”

Det Supt Richard Vandenbergh said he understood the incident will be "upsetting" to the community.

“We are working with our partners and community groups to provide as much information as we can," he added.

“I also want to reassure everyone that we are supporting our colleagues in specialist crime, as they carry out a detailed and thorough investigation.

“Extra officers will also be patrolling and please do approach these officers and speak to them if you have any questions - they are there to listen to you and act on your concerns.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call the police incident room on 0208 345 3715 or contact via Twitter @MetCC, quoting Operation Aimgrip.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.