A CANDLE has been lit in memory of an 87-year-old who was murdered almost a year ago.

Robbers, who are still at large, forced their way into the home of Margaret Hawkins in Charterhouse Road, Orpington, on November 16 last year.

They pushed her onto a sofa before taking her possessions and money.

She collapsed from shock during a police interview and died in hospital two days later.

Neighbours and members of her community gathered at Christ Church, also in Charterhouse Road, on Sunday to mark the anniversary of her death.

The Rev Jay Colwill, who lit the candle for Margaret, says the community was deeply saddened by her murder.

He said: “I was angered such a vulnerable woman could be attacked in this way and I am angered by the injustice of it.

“This is something we want to pray about and remember, and hope those who have done this are brought to justice for the safety of others.”

Margaret, who lived alone, did not appear to have any family other than distant cousins living in Bexhill-on-Sea.

Mr Colwill said: “She was not in any way isolated. She was keen to live independently but knew her neighbours well.”

A police spokesman said: “This remains an open and active investigation which we continue to treat as murder.

“One year on from Margaret’s death, we still believe people out there know who are responsible for her death and we would ask they come forward.”

Police are looking for two men, aged between 25 and 40, and want to hear from anyone who was in the Charterhouse Road area on November 16 last year and either witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously.

The first man had brown cropped hair and a swept fringe and may weigh between 20st and 25st.

He was wearing a white or light grey T-shirt and dark jogging bottoms.

The second man has brown hair and had a slim to medium build.

He was wearing a dark coloured T-shirt and dark jogging bottoms.

Police are also keen to trace a red flat back van seen in the area.

Call police on 020 8721 4155 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.