BUCKHURST HILL: Police probing woman's death seek her "helper"

11:50am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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POLICE are looking for an elderly lady's helper after her body was found in her home at the weekend.

Edith Crump, 87, was found dead at her flat in Greenhill, in Buckhurst Hill, at about 3.40pm on Saturday (May 10).

Police are treating her death as "unexplained" and say they are keen to trace a man known to have been looking after her.

Neighbour William Harris told the Guardian: "No-one seems to know what's going on. I didn't know anything was up until about 3.30pm. First the ambulance came, then the police. There's been a constable outside her door ever since.

Describing Edith as a "nice pleasant lady", he added: "She kept herself to herself. I knew her as a neighbour and I'd say good morning'. I think she's lived there for about four or five years. I've lived here 18 months."

He added: "She was 87 so anyone can go at that time, but she was a sprightly old girl. She used to go out and do her shopping every day."

He said he had no idea who her helper was adding: "She used to do all her own cooking and cleaning. Her house was absolutely spotless when you went inside."

The man police are interested in contacting is described as white, aged 60 to 70, of medium build and about 5ft 8ins tall. He is known to wear dark clothing and a beige, floppy fishing-style hat.

Anyone with information about the man should ring the Brentwood major investigation team on 01277 262 220 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Did you know Edith Crump? Ring our newsroom on 01992 572285 or email etobin@london.newsquest.co.uk