An 82-year-old woman has been found murdered at her home after not arriving to meet a friend.

Mary Logie was found by police at around 8pm on Tuesday at her home in Green Gates, Leven.

Ms Logie had previously been seen alive around 8am that day. She suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Officers from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team have now launched a murder inquiry and anyone who can assist with their investigation is asked to come forward.

She had intended to visit a friend in hospital on Tuesday but didn't turn up. She was found dead later that evening, police said. Officers also revealed there was no sign of forced entry at her home during a media conference on Thursday afternoon.

Police also said theft may well be motive in Mary Logie murder but too early to be sure.

Detective chief inspector, Keith Hardie, said: "Whoever has been responsible for causing Mary's death has preyed on a vulnerable and elderly member of the community and we are pursuing various lines of inquiry as part of this ongoing investigation.

"I would ask that anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in the Green Gates area in the days and hours before Mary was found contacts police immediately.

"In addition, anyone with any other information that can help us find Mary's killer should also get in touch, either by contacting Police Scotland on 101 or by making an anonymous call to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The family of Ms Logie said in statement issued through Police Scotland: "Mary (Rae) Logie, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend will be sadly missed.

"She was born, bred and lived in the Leven area all her life. The family are assisting the police in the investigation and wish to be left alone at this difficult time."

Chief inspector Adrian Annandale, local area commander for North East Fife said: "This incident will undoubtedly leave the local community within Leven both shocked and deeply angry and I want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to identify whoever is responsible.

"We will have high-visibility patrols within the Green Gates area for the time being and if you have any information that can assist us with this investigation please speak to one of the officers on patrol.

"Crimes of this nature are extremely rare, both within Leven and across Fife, however, we recognise the impact this will have on local residents and we are utilising all resources at our disposal to bring Mary's killer to justice."