Police launch murder probe after pensioner, 68, found dead from ‘compression of neck’ after blaze

A murder investigation has been launched after firefighters discovered a woman’s body in the burnt-out remains of a home.

Police have said the woman has been identified as 68-year-old Linda Hood and a post-mortem examination has confirmed she died from ‘compression of the neck’.

Officers were called to the home in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, on Friday morning while firefighters battled the blaze.

Ms Hood, who was just 4ft 10 inches and nicknamed ‘Little Linda’ by neighbours, was discovered inside the property and was declared dead at the scene.

The Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for information.

The force says Ms Hood’s next of kin has been informed.  

The alarm was raised just after 9am by neighbours who opened her front door and realised that her home was full of smoke. 

A murder investigation by police has been launched after a 68-year-old woman was found dead by firefighters tackling a blaze at a home in Gorleston, Norfolk, on Friday morning

One neighbour said: ‘She was a lovely lady and would always say hello to everyone.

‘She used to have a job delivering free newspapers all over the town and carried on doing that until a couple of years ago when she had to give up because she had problems with her legs.

‘We used to see her pulling round her little shopping trolley stuffed with papers. Even when she had mobility problems, she would be limping along. She was such a hard worker.

‘She had lived in her house for around 40 years and everyone around here knew her. I can’t imagine what has happened and why anyone would want to harm her. It is just awful.

‘Her husband Alan died around five years and they did not have any children. The only close relatives she had were a brother in London and her husband’s sister.’

The neighbour added: ‘Her next door neighbour’s daughter came round to visit her mum and heard the sound of Linda’s smoke alarm going off.

‘She ended up knocking on my door because I have her spare key due to her having locked herself out in the past.

‘I opened the door and there was a lot of smoke. I don’t know how long the fire had been going for. We called the fire brigade and they told us not to go inside.

‘The firefighters were here in a few minutes and sadly she was dead..’ 

Another neighbour in an adjoining house was said to have seen ‘a mist’ and a smell of burning in her bedroom when she woke up on the Friday morning, suggesting that the fire was already alight.

A resident said: ‘The lady had no idea where the smell was coming from and went to check all her electrical sockets in case the burning smell was coming from one of them.’

Police say woman has been identified as Linda Hood and her next of kind have been informed 

Forensic officers were today seen searching for clues at her two bedroom terraced home. Police said they were called just before 9.10am on Friday to reports of a fire at the property.

Det Insp Lewis Craske said: ‘This is a tragic incident and my thoughts remain with her friends and family at this awful time.

‘We continue to work alongside specialist investigators to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the fire and we are keen to speak with anyone who may be able to assist us with our enquiries.

‘We would like to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of Cherwell Way on Thursday 10 June and Friday 11 June prior to the fire, or who may know something that could help our investigation.

‘We want to understand who Linda was and would like to hear from all those who knew her.

‘We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have either dashcam or CCTV footage of the surrounding area.

‘We know this will cause concern among local residents, however please be reassured that the local community will see an increased police presence in the area over the following days.’

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 100 of 11 June 2021 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.