A man has been charged with the murder and rape of a woman in Tottenham.

He is Reece Dempster; 22, (5.10.96) of no fixed abode but from the N17 area of Haringey

Dempster appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 7 August, charged with the murder of an 89-year-old woman at her home in Waltheof Gardens, N17.

He was further charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration and burglary as part of the same incident.

Dempster was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 9 August.

Police were called at around 10.45hrs on Sunday, 4 August, to the house in Waltheof Gardens.

The victim, 89-year-old Aunt Dorothy Woolmer, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The murder investigation is led by DCI Garry Moncrieff. He said: “Reece Dempster was arrested at 6pm on Monday, 5 August. He has been charged with a number of extremely serious offences. The investigation remains ongoing and I would like to hear from anyone who came into contact with Dempster on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of August until the time of his arrest.”

A relative of the victim said on behalf of her family: “Our family are completely shocked at the death of my 89-year-old Great Aunt Dorothy Woolmer (Dot) on 4th August.

“Dot was a wonderful, beautiful woman, who was full of life. She always had something to talk about and was still hands on with everything she did despite her age. She was extremely self-sufficient and would still cook all of her meals herself and get herself up and down her stairs.

“She was a sister, wife, Aunty and dear friend to many and will be greatly missed. My family ask for privacy whilst we come to terms with what has happened.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.