WOMAN ‘LAY DEAD FOR 5 YEARS’

Neighbours said Isabella Purves, who would have turned 90 this year, had “disappeared off the face of the Earth” before police discovered her remains in an Edinburgh tenement.

They claimed no one had visited the frail pensioner for more than 18 years. Charities called for improved monitoring of people living alone.

Douglas McLellan, of Age Concern and Help The Aged in Scotland, said: “If she was not receiving care treatment, the likelihood of being found quickly is minimal.”

Police were called to Ms Purves’ home on Tuesday after a neighbour complained about water leaking into his flat. They found mail sticking out of the letterbox and a 3ft high pile of unopened correspondence.

It is believed no one raised the alarm because her utility bills and council tax payments were made by direct debit.

A post-mortem examination was held as police tried to trace any living relatives.

A spokesman said: “There are no suspicious circumstances.”