Police Officers outside the house in Castle Street, Oswestry, where the body of Margaret Wycherley was found.

A murder inquiry was under way today after a Shropshire woman was found battered to death in her own home.

Chimney sweep Margaret Wycherley had suffered multiple injuries and her body may have lain undiscovered for up to 48 hours.

Neighbours raised the alarm after not seeing the 63-year-old widow for up to two days but hearing her dog barking from inside her house in Castle Street, Oswestry.

Detectives confirmed today they were treating Mrs Wycherley’s death as murder and said they were desperate to piece together her movements since she was last seen at a barbecue at her home on Sunday evening.

A 44-year-old man arrested in Shrewsbury yesterday on suspicion of her murder was still being questioned today.

Police have not yet revealed if any weapon was used in the attack on Mrs Wycherley, whose body was discovered at about 4pm on Tuesday. She has not yet been formally identified.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan said today that a post mortem was carried out by a Home Office pathologist at Sandwell Hospital yesterday afternoon. It established Mrs Wycherley died from multiple injuries.

Mr Morgan said: “There are more than 40 officers involved in the investigation and we will continue to conduct forensic and other inquiries at the house throughout today.

“It is absolutely vital that anyone who has information which might assist the investigation should contact Oswestry or Shrewsbury police stations on 0300 333 3000 as a matter of urgency.

“Local people living in the Castle Street area who knew the victim may be able to help us piece together her movements from Sunday evening.”

Forensics have been working at the house where the murder scene is believed to have shown signs of a violent attack on Mrs Wycherley.

Top detectives from across the West Mercia Police force area have been drafted in to the inquiry.

By Iain St John and Sue Austin