Freshwater locals reeling after much-loved neighbour found bashed to death

Freshwater locals told of their horror after mother-of-three May Ritchie was found bashed to death on the floor of her unit, her body covered in newspapers and cushions.

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UPDATE: A 49-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of May Ritchie

Freshwater locals told of their horror after mother-of-three May Ritchie was found bashed to death on the floor of her unit, her body covered in newspapers and cushions.

Police were called to the 81-year-old’s home at about 8pm on Sunday after receiving calls from neighbours concerned for her welfare.

Officer said the body of Ms Ritchie was then discovered in her flat on the corner of Foam St and Wyadra Ave.

May Ritchie pictured in 2003. Picture: Ros Cannon.

It is understood she was fatally clubbed by her own walking stick.

A 49-year-old woman, believed to be the ex-girlfriend of Ms Ritchie’s partner, was arrested a short time later.

She was being questioned by homicide detectives at Manly Police Station.

Neighbours Brigid Sheedy and Peter Menelaou claim the arrested woman visited Ms Richie’s boyfriend, who lives across the road, on Sunday afternoon.

The daughter of May Ritchie reacts after speaking to the media about the death of her 81 year old mother. Picture: Braden Fastier

They claim her partner told her to leave, at which point she allegedly went to see Ms Ritchie.

Mr Menelaou told the Manly Daily that she saw the 49-year-old standing on Ms Richie’s doorstep. “We saw her go over there (They) watched the football.”

Ms Ritchie had planned to visit her boyfriend who lived across the road at 6pm. When she did not arrive, the police were called.

A crime scene was set up with specialist investigators from the State Crime Command Homicide Squad also attending.

Police Forensics investigate the scene. Picture: Braden Fastier

Ms Ritchie’s daughter, who lives in Seaforth, had been away and flew back to Sydney on Monday morning after being told the news.

She returned home about 11.30am and, when asked how she was feeling about the tragic incident, she burst into tears.

Northern Beaches crime manager Insp Craig Wonders said some items in the flat had been seized as a result of the examination of the home unit.

Insp Wonders said intoxication and use of drugs will also be a part of the investigation.

The block of units were cordoned off with police tape for most of the day.

Three police cars remained at the scene of the incident during the forensic examination.