BURGLARS have ransacked the empty house where an 88-year-old woman is believed to have been murdered.

They got into the house of Rosina Waller in Johnstone Road, Thorpe Bay, and turned the bedroom upside down to steal some jewellery boxes.

The elderly woman had died at about 4.45pm on New Year's Day after she returned home from seeing family.

Anyone who can help should contact the Burglary Unit at Southend police station on 0300 333 4444.

Hassan Salahi, 34, of Cunningham Close, Southend has been charged with murdering Mrs Waller. He is also accused of attempted murder, GBH with intent and aggravated burglary. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on March 12, 2010.