THE woman found murdered at an isolated cottage near Bewdley has been named locally as Betty Yates.

Police are expected to formally name the victim, in her 70s, later today and results of a post mortem are due early this afternoon.

A murder investigation was launched yesterday, after the body of an elderly woman was found downstairs at Riverscroft cottage off a track between Dowles Road and the River Severn.

Mrs Yates, who is thought to have been a retired teacher, was a widow.

A neighbour and friend said: "Betty was very active.

She was married to Raymond but he died some years ago.

"I know that friends had tried to urge her to move closer into the community because she was so isolated where she lives but she always refused.

"She said her memories of her time with Ray were in the house and she didn't want to lose that.

"Betty still drove her car and went to art classes, she was very fit and feisty and I would say she probably put up a good fight.

"We are all so shocked and saddened by her murder."