A 33-YEAR-OLD man appeared in court today charged with the murder of 88-year-old Irene Barrett.

Daniel Franklin, of Felixstowe Road, Abbeywood, was at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court today (May 19) charged with her murder.

A woman was arrested last night (May 18) in connection with the incident.

She is currently in custody at a south London police station.

Mrs Barrett was found with multiple stab wounds at her 15th-floor flat in Valiant House, a high-rise block overlooking Charlton Athletic football stadium.

Police say she had also been severely beaten while her home, where she had lived alone for 20 years, was looted for jewellery and cash.

It is believed it was a burglary which turned into murder and Mrs Barrett may have been tricked into opening the door to her attackers.

Franklin has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on August 25.