An 82-year-old woman found murdered in her own home was repeatedly bludgeoned with a rolling pin, it has emerged.

Mary Logie was found at around 8pm on Tuesday at her home in Green Gates, Leven, in Fife, after not arriving at a planned hospital visit to see a friend. Ms Logie had previously been seen alive around 8am that day.

STV News understands she suffered serious head injuries caused by the rolling pin and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Scottish Ambulance Service. Police are believed to have found the weapon at the house.

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 did not turn up. She was found dead later that evening, police said. Officers also revealed there was no sign of forced entry at her home.

Police also said theft may well be motive in Ms Logie's murder but it is too early to be sure. Forensic officers have been at the property since Tuesday and several evidence bags were removed as the hunt for the killer goes on.

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."

Ms Logie's next door neighbour Charlie Gardner told STV News: "I was shocked when I heard how it happened, it is absolutely tragic.

"This is a happy community. I don't understand it all. Why would you want to kill an old woman?

"I feel angry and ashamed that this has happened in my own community, that they have picked on a defencelsss old woman. There is not a lot you can say without swearing."

He said Ms Logie, known locally as Rae, was a smartly turned out lady and a good neighbour.

He added: "It's hard to get your head round what has happened. Nobody deserves what happened to her, especially not an 82-year-old woman in her own house."

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."

On Friday evening Mr Hardie said: "The response from the Leven community has been very favourable and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has come forward and assisted with our appeal.

"Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and the reaction from residents has been one of shock and disgust over this despicable crime.

"However, local people have voiced their strong support for our investigation and I thank them for their patience and assistance. Again, I ask anyone who has any information that can assist with this ongoing murder inquiry to please contact police."