Screams heard days before elderly widow found dead in Sydenham
Screams were heard coming from a Sydenham home days before an elderly woman was found dead on Saturday morning in an incident police are treating as suspicious.
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman's death after her body was discovered at her Marlborough Way home just before 10am.
Neighbours told Nine News that they heard loud screams on Thursday morning. The neighbours, who did not want to be named, said the woman was a widow in her 80s who lived alone.
They said she had been burgled a few weeks ago and that there had been several recent burglaries in the area.
Nine News is reporting that police inspected an abandoned property across the road from the woman's house.
Forensics officers appear to be focused on the rear of the property, near its garage.
The home is at the end of a cul-de-sac and police photographers are also taking evidence along the road and nature strip.
Police are door-knocking neighbouring properties.
The exact cause of her death is yet to be determined and anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au