A woman found beaten to death outside a West Molesey home was an antiques dealer named Robyn Mercer.

Ms Mercer, 50, suffered multiple head injuries.

FROM YESTERDAY: West Molesey murder arrest after woman found dead

Police were called to Walton Road at about 8am yesterday after a member of the public raised the alarm.

A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Paramedics and an air ambulance crew rushed to the home but were unable to revive Ms Mercer, who suffered multiple head injuries.

A large part of the green and Abbey Walk were taped off as forensic officers investigated.

Facebook user Tracy Goddard said: "Things like this don't happen in Molesey.... or so we all think. Horrible, just horrible. My thoughts go out to the victim's family."

One resident said: “It’s quite scary really. I didn’t notice anything until I went out.”

Alan Watkinson, 75, who lives near the edge of the cordoned off area, said: “My wife took the dog out at 7am this morning but didn’t see anything. It’s a bit bizarre. My wife’s a bit shocked.”

He added that police had told residents they would be at the site for a further two to three days.

Another resident said: “We don’t get murders round here.”

Police are continuing fingertip searches as the area remains cordoned off today.