Muswell Hill stabbing: Woman knifed to death 'in botched robbery' named locally as 'lovely' Cathy Burke

Terrified neighbours have spoken of their fear after a woman was “gagged and bound” before being stabbed to death at her home in north London.

The victim, named locally as 55-year-old Cathy Burke, was found dead by officers at an address in Muswell Hill on Thursday.

According to the Sun, she had been tied up during a botched robbery before her death.

A post-mortem examination revealed her provisional cause of death to be from stab injuries, Scotland Yard said.

Shocked neighbours today paid tribute to a “nice lady” and said: “We need to find her killer”.

Lesly Gregory, who knew the victim for around 10 years, told Press Association: "She was just lovely. She was such a nice lady."

She said she did not believe it was a random attack, adding: "Cathy wouldn't open the door to just anyone."

Ms Gregory, who has lived on the street for three decades, added tearfully: "We need to find Cathy's killer."

Ms Burke lived alone after her son moved out to go to university, and had previously worked for the local council, she said.

Another neighbour, Fenelle Archer Wright, described Ms Burke as "a very warm person, very friendly." She added: "It's scary that this has happened in our road."

Ms Burke moved to England from Galway as a teenager, neighbours said, and had lived in the street for around 20 years.

Police visited the house on Thursday evening after concerns were raised for her well-being.

Detectives, who are awaiting formal identification of the victim, said they are keeping an open mind about the motive.

No-one has been arrested.

Floral tributes have been set in a hedge at the front of the terraced house, while a small police cordon remains in place at the entrance.