An 81-year-old widow who was savagely battered during a suspected burglary at her home almost three months ago has died in hospital, police said today.

Great-grandmother Mary Richardson, who suffered severe head injuries and multiple bruising, never left hospital after the incident on July 2.

The pensioner, who had cancer, was discovered lying in the hallway of her home in Shiremoor, North Tyneside, by her carer.

She died yesterday afternoon in North Tyneside General Hospital and a post-mortem will be carried out tomorrow to establish the cause of death.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: ''Mrs Richardson died in North Tyneside General Hospital on Sunday at 4.45pm.

''She had been in hospital since the attack at her home in July.

''A post-mortem will be carried out on Tuesday morning by Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter to establish the cause of death.''

Mrs Richardson moved to Backworth, near Shiremoor, 31 years ago with her husband and three children.

Her husband died 13 years ago and she moved to Stanton Road, Shiremoor, a year later and had lived there alone since.

Mrs Richardson suffered from Alzheimer's disease and terminal liver cancer.

A 23-year-old man has previously been remanded in custody in connection with the assault.

Barry Craig Alderson, of Felton Close, Shiremoor, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and burglary.

He is due back before Newcastle Crown Court on October 6.