DETECTIVES are continuing their painstaking investigations into the mystery surrounding the death of Teesside pensioner Kathleen Roberts.

Officers are still trying to piece together the final hours leading up to the discovery of the frail 86-year-old in her utility room last Tuesday.

The results of her post mortem cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding her death and officers are trying to establish whether she was the victim of an assault or if, due to failing health, she imagined the attack.

Mrs Roberts, 86, of Rudyard Avenue, Roseworth, Stockton, died on Thursday at the University Hospital of North Tees after suffering a heart aneurysm.

The widow had lain undiscovered in her home for about 24 hours before her nephew, Paul Connor, found her in an extremely distressed state.

The great-grandmother suffered bruising to her body, dehydration and possibly pneumonia.

An intensive investigation was launched when she asked Mr Connor if "the two boys who hurt my head have gone?".

Some 30 officers are working on the investigation, although they have ruled out the possibility of murder, and are questioning whether a raid actually happened.

A force spokeswoman said there many lines of inquiry to follow up and urged the public to continue coming forward with information.

Anyone with information can contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 301281, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.