A cleaner accused of killing her 81-year-old employer has been cleared of her murder today.

Nicola Bushnell, 44, of Middleton Road, Epsom, was found not guilty of the murder of Joyce Cregeen, also from Epsom.

Mrs Cregeen, a retired police administrator was found stabbed to death at her three-bedroom terraced house in Sefton Road, on May 15 last year.

The jury formed of eight men and four women, reached the unanimous decision today at the Old Bailey.

Mrs Bushnell, who admitted stealing money from Mrs Creegen, will be sentenced for theft tomorrow.