A murder investigation has been launched by police after a woman was found strangled to death on Tuesday.

Anna Maria Thomas, 61, was found by paramedics and police on December 10 at her home in Chilworth Court, Windlesham Grove, Southfields.

A postmortem examination at St George's Hospital on Thursday gave the cause of death as compression of the neck.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on the same day on suspicion of the murder. He has since been sectioned under the mental health act.

An inquest will open and adjourn in due course.

Those that knew Ms Thomas are asked to contact police to assist the investigation.

An Incident Room as opened at Sutton Police Station under the command of Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane of the HMCC. The incident room number is 020 8721 4205. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.