A 52-year-old man was arrested after 'loving' grandmother was found dead following a house fire in Teddington.

Carole Harrison was found dead inside her home on Mays Road after officers were called to reports of a fire at the property at 1am on August 22. 

A post-mortem examination could not establish a cause of death, but she was found to “have injuries consistent with an assault”, police say. The Met Police launched a their 100th murder investigation after making this discovery.

The family of Carole Harrison issued the following statement: "Carole Harrison was a loving mother and caring person who dedicated most of her life to nursing in the NHS and private care homes.

"She really was a grandmother with character and will be deeply missed for her unique cheeky laugh and comical character.

"Due to the illness she suffered from, she trusted anyone that she met, sought friendship in many people and was known for being somewhat generous at times. Her illness could make her frustrated at times too.

"This is a very difficult time for us and we appreciate that there is an ongoing Police investigation and we would ask anyone who knows anything that could help with the investigation to please contact the police. Particularly if anyone saw her on Tuesday, 21 August. We ask that our privacy during this difficult time is respected by all."

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard said: “At this stage, we are appealing to anyone who saw Mrs Harrison on the day leading up to the fire.

“We want to hear from anyone who may have seen her out and about and most particularly if she had anyone with her. Anyone with information should call police immediately."

At 3:30 pm on Saturday, August 25, detectives arrested a 54-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He was taken to a central London police station and has been bailed, awaiting a court hearing date in mid-September. 

Enquiries are continuing. Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 8721 4622. You can also contact police via 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC quoting reference 353/22Aug.

Carole Harrison's death was the 100th murder investigation in London this year. For the first time, London’s homicide rate momentarily overtook that of New York, which has almost the same population numbers.

No arrests have been made while enquiries are continuing. Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 8721 4622. You can also contact police via 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC quoting reference 353/22Aug.