A WOMAN who was found dead at her home in Bournemouth – sparking a murder investigation – has been named.

The body of Elizabeth Frances Richings was found by paramedics in a bungalow in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, on Saturday, June 3.

Mrs Richings, a retired nurse who was born in April 1940, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 83-year-old died from compression of the neck, an inquest into her death was told on Wednesday, June 21.

Her body was positively identified by her son, Edward Richings.

Bournemouth Echo: Police in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, for murder investigation after woman found dead.Police in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, for murder investigation after woman found dead. (Image: Daily Echo)

Dorset's coroner's officer Nicola Muller told the inquest opening at Bournemouth town hall that paramedics were called to 15 Roscrea Drive “following reports of an unresponsive female”.

Police also attended the scene and arrested a man in his 80s, who was known to the victim, on suspicion of murder and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

A post-mortem examination conducted by pathologist Dr Basil Purdue on June 5 at Holly Tree Lodge in Bournemouth determined Mrs Richings’ cause of death as compression of the neck.

Mrs Richings was married to Grenville Douglas Richings, a retired security officer.

Senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, adjourned the inquest due to the “ongoing police investigation” into Mrs Richings’ death.

Mrs Griffin scheduled a pre-inquest review hearing to take place on Monday, October 9, later this year.

Bournemouth Echo: Police in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, for murder investigation after woman found dead.Police in Roscrea Drive, Bournemouth, for murder investigation after woman found dead. (Image: Daily Echo)

“I will request an update from the police within the next four weeks,” she said.

Dorset Police told the Echo that the arrested man remains in hospital and that their investigation is ongoing.

Neighbours spoke of their shock after the incident.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: “They’re the nicest couple, you never hear anything from them. They’re the perfect neighbours who would always look out for you.

“It’s frightening, we are quite a nice community here and people are going to be shocked.”

Neighbours also said Mrs Richings was a devout Christian who was a regular member of the congregation at the nearby Christchurch Priory.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230085537.