Botched burglary fatal

Police search where Gaynor White's car was found 2km from her home. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Police believe the "horrific" murder of a retired Christchurch widow in her own home may have been the result of a burglary gone wrong.

Gaynor White, 62, was savagely attacked in the affluent suburb of Huntsbury, in the Cashmere Hills. A relative found her body in her Aotea Tce home on Friday after she failed to turn up to an appointment.

Police said she may have been dead for up to 48 hours.

The neighbouring suburb of St Martins has a history of burglaries and police are investigating possible links to the murder.

Acting Inspector Dave Long said White's family, including her two sons, were devastated. "The family are coping as best as they possibly can. Obviously they are devastated, it's very distressing for them."

Police found White's silver Mazda dumped 2km away from her home near the Heathcote River after a tipoff from the public. They believe the killer used it to transport a large LCD television and a computer stolen from White's home.

White is believed to have lost her husband Dennis to cancer around 10 years ago.

Huntsbury is a leafy, well-to-do suburb on the edge of the Port Hills. A large area around the house remained cordoned off last night as police searched for the murder weapon.

Neighbours described White as an avid gardener who lived a fairly quiet life. "I only spoke to her last week,"said Phyllis Williams, who has lived in the street for 63 years.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I knew her to speak to. I just waved at her when I went past and admired her garden."

Residents have been shocked by the brutal death in what they say is normally a safe neighbourhood. 'It's a bit of a slur on our nice little community,"said Jewel Brown, who has lived in Aotea Tce for 34 years.

"I've always felt safe here and I've never had a break-in. We're all a bit shocked," she said.

A post-mortem examination was due to take place today.

* Anyone who saw a silver Mazda Lantis with the registration WL7343 at any time from 9am February 18 should call police on 0800 486872.