A PENSIONER found lying in a pool of blood by her daughter had been battered to death.

Agnes Hanrahan died from multiple head injuries in a savage attack which police say must have lasted some considerable time.

The grandmother-of -two struggled against her attacker, suffering several wounds before collapsing on the kitchen floor of her Widnes bungalow.

Murder Squad detectives are exploring the possibility the attack is linked to the murder of Birkenhead pensioner Ruth Owens less than a week ago, in similar circumstances.

Mrs Owens, 75, was found lying in a pool of blood with horrific head injuries in Victoria Fields, off Borough Road on December 4 and Merseyside Police are exploring the possibility she opened her front door to a stranger.

Cheshire Police now believe Agnes either knew the killer or voluntarily allowed them into her Baguley Avenue home.

Agnes' daughter, who lives just a few doors away, called emergency services at 12.30pm on Tuesday after workers from meals on wheels service knocked on her door as normal and got no reply.

Firefighters, who arrived at the scene first, forced their way through the kitchen door and discovered the 71-year-old's body.

Detectives have found no evidence of a forced entry and the house had not been ransacked. They are still trying to establish whether anything has been stolen.

Detective Chief Inspector John Chapman, of Cheshire Police, said: "Agnes suffered a vicious and sustained attack with a blunt instrument or weapon.

"We have not yet found a murder weapon and will be searching nearby areas as well as continuing forensic work at the murder scene and house-to-house inquiries."

"Inquiries are centring around callers to Agnes' home from 6.30pm on Monday until 12.30pm on Tuesday.

"Agnes' family are very distressed by her death and are being supported by specially trained police officers who are working with relatives to build up a picture of her daily routine.

"We are keen to speak to anybody who knew Agnes who can tell us more about her."

Mrs Hanrahan, who lived alone, was a mother of three grown-up children and a grandmother of two.

She has been married twice and police are still trying to contact her ex-husbands.

She was last seen alive putting out her dog Milly by neighbours.

Supt Clive Pownall said: "We understand that elderly people in Widnes will be shocked and concerned to hear about this murder.

"We have not had a spate of bogus callers or doorstep robberies in the area in recent times but anybody who wishes for advice on home security can talk to officers at our van in Baguley Avenue."

Anyone with information should contact the major incident room on 0151-242 7431 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.