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Murder victim's horrific injuries
Pensioner Harriet Davison sustained a series of brutal injuries before her death.
The 88-year-old is alleged to have been assaulted in her own home in an attack that has shocked the community.
Ms Davison was found seriously injured at sheltered housing in Allendale Road, Farringdon, on Friday.
She died at the complex despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Detectives today said no weapons were used in the alleged assault at the 49-bed Emblehope House.
Northumbria Police confirmed at the weekend they were treating her death as murder and that a 39-year-old woman quizzed during the weekend had been released on police bail.
Extra police officers have been patrolling in the area during the past 48 hours in a bid to reassure other elderly residents left feeling vulnerable after the tragic incident.
Now the officer leading the investigation has appealed for people who were in the area of Allendale Road on Friday afternoon to come forward.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett, of Northumbria Police, added: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious as soon as possible."
Ms Davison was discovered after police received a 999 call expressing concerns for an elderly woman at about 2pm on Friday.
Emblehope House is home to scores of elderly people, many of which have lived in the Farrigndon area all their lives.
The incident has shocked people living in the quiet streets around the home and those who use the bus stops and shopping parade in Allendale Road.
Ken Beattie, 57, a retired building worker who lives round the corner from the home, said: "It does shock you when it happens outside your front door."
One man, whose wife works at the care home, said: "She was due to go in to work and when she arrived the police said she couldn't go in.
"It was a surprise. You don't expect something like this on your doorstep."
Another man, who has lived in Farringdon all his life, added: "It's terrible. I'd never heard of the lady. People sell their houses and come from all over to move in there."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police 03456 043043 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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