Pensioner set on fire after catching burglar armed with machete at her Buckinghamshire home

An 81-year-old woman was killed and set on fire after catching a burglar armed with a machete inside her country home, it is suspected. The body of Albertine Choules was found on the grass outside the Hill Green Cottage, in Marlow Bottom, Buckinghamshire on the morning of 6 July.

Officers discovered her body after she had dialled 999 to say there was an intruder inside her house. When police arrived at the scene, they were confronted by a man armed with a machete, who attacked one officer before fleeing into nearby woodlands.

Following a search of the area, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. It is reported the suspect was living in a tent in the woods near to Choules' home.

Police rang the fire brigade after finding the body of the 81-year-old widow outside her home. Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene but stood down as they were "were not required to do anything in the end".

It is believed her body may have been dragged outside to the garden after being set on fire. Police did not reveal the extent of Choules' injuries. Local residents in Marlow Bottom and High Wycombe described the 81-year-old as a "lovely lady" who was "liked by everyone", reported Bucks Free Pass.

Detective Superintendent Chris Ward, of the Major Crime Unit, said: "We are in the process of investigating the incident and a murder investigation has been launched. We have also arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with this incident, and he has been taken into police custody.

"I would like to appeal for anyone who thinks they might have any information about this incident to get in touch with us by calling the non-emergency number 101."

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We launched a murder investigation after a woman's body was found in Marlow. Officers were called to a property in Ragmans Lane just after 6.30am today. When officers arrived they were confronted by a man. He assaulted a police officer, who was taken to hospital and has since been discharged. A woman was found at the scene and she was sadly pronounced dead.

"Officers have put in place a scene watch at the property as well as at nearby woods. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently in police custody."