A man arrested after the murder of pensioner Violet Dunderdale has been released and placed under the care of the Mental Health Act.

Police picked up the man soon after the battered body of the much-loved 77-year-old woman was found in her Chelmsford home in Archers Way at 6am on Monday.

But officers yesterday revealed the suspect had been placed under the care of the Mental Health Act and a murder investigation was continuing.

A post mortem examination carried out last night revealed Mrs Dunderdale died from severe head injuries.

Her friends and family are today trying to come to terms with her killing.

The body of Mrs Dunderdale - known to friends and neighbours as Nan - was found by an ambulance crew.

Shocked neighbours saw Mrs Dunderdale drinking at the local Royal British Legion social club in Galleywood, where she was a regular, just hours before she was killed.

One said: "She was an absolutely wonderful lady. I just can't believe this has happened. We are all in shock around here."

Mrs Dunderdale was a well-known figure in the community, and known for her generosity and kindness.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A man arrested in connection with the murder has been released and sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The murder investigation is continuing."

A senior detective working on the case said that his officers had been deeply affected by the murder.

He said: "Detectives are shocked at this brutal killing of a defenceless old lady."

Police are asking anyone who may have any information about the killing to contact them urgently on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.