Tribute paid to Una Crown who had run Elm Post Office and enjoyed visiting friends and family

The niece of murdered Wisbech pensioner Una Crown has called on the public to help catch her killer.

Judy Payne is appealing for people to come forward with information to help the police investigating the death of the 86-year-old who was discovered in her Magazine Lane home on the morning of Sunday, January 13.

Police have also appealed for help in tracing three men seen close to Mrs Crown's home on the Saturday before she died.

Mrs Payne has also paid tribute to her aunt, describing how she used to run a post office with her late husband Jack, known as Ron.

Mrs Payne, 69, who was close to Mrs Crown, said: 'We are all shocked and deeply saddened by Aunty Una's death and cannot understand why anyone would want to hurt her.

'We desperately want justice for Aunty Una, whoever committed this terrible crime needs to be caught. If you have any information about who is responsible, or have suspicions about someone you know, please do the right thing and call the police.'

Paying tribute to her, she said: 'Aunty Una started work as a telephonist at Wisbech Post Office and met her future husband Jack Roland Crown who was working at various post offices in the area after his service in the RAF.

'They married in April 1948 and moved to Bridge House, Elm, to run the village post office. Aunty Una would cycle round the nearby villages to deliver telegrams.

'After retiring from the post office she had a number of office jobs including one at Dawbarn's Solicitors.

'She was a very healthy but private lady who enjoyed being in the company of her relatives and friends.

'She particularly enjoyed mid-week trips to Norfolk where she loved visiting a friend's tea room, she also liked going out to visit friends and family for Sunday roasts.'

Mrs Crown was last seen alive on Friday, January 11, however had spoken to a friend by phone at 5pm on the Saturday.

Her body was discovered at 10.45am on the Sunday. She had been stabbed then set on fire in an apparent effort to disguise her injuries and destroy evidence.

A £10,000 reward is being offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Call 0800 555111 or conact Cambridgeshire police on 101.