A 58-year-old woman died with apparent head injuries, officers at the Kingston flat where she was found said today.

Police were called to the Victorian property in Springfield Road, Kingston, at about 5pm yesterday, having been alerted by co-workers who had not seen the 58-year-old occupant since Monday, officers said.

They had forced their way into her flat and discovered her lying dead on a couch.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, of the specialist crimes and operations unit based in Sutton, the woman appeared to have been assaulted and had head injuries.

He said: “It is not thought a weapon had been used but we’re waiting for the postmortem examination before confirming this.”

The woman, thought to work nearby and live alone, was said by police to have two children with one son living abroad, who they are trying to contact.

She was last seen at work on Monday and colleagues raised the alert when she failed to show up for work.

Police are appealing for people to come forward who may have heard a disturbance or know anything more about the woman to call Sutton CID on 0208 721 4005.