A murder hunt has been launched after an 80-year-old woman was found dying at her home in Perthshire.

Janet Methven, known locally as Jenny, was found by her son David on Monday afternoon.

Mrs Methven had suffered injuries on her head and body, but police have found no signs of forced entry into the cottage at Forteviot. There was also no sign of a robbery.

Tayside Police have now confirmed they are treating the woman's death as murder.

Her son, who lived with Mrs Methven in the cottage, says he has been left "absolutely devastated" by his mother's death.

He said: "As well as being a wonderful mother, she was an extremely generous person, someone who was a true friend to others and always willing to give her energies and time freely.

"‘I miss her desperately and would appeal to anyone who can assist Tayside Police with their enquiries to get in touch with them.

''I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and others who have expressed their sympathies and sorrow at what has happened.

"Their kind words do offer some comfort and I am grateful for that."

A post-mortem examination carried out on Wednesday confirmed that Mrs Methven had suffered multiple injuries.

It is believed a friend of Mrs Methven was the last person to speak to her, over the phone at about 10.30am on Monday. Tayside Police say they hope someone saw the woman during the day on Monday and can help piece together her last-known movements.

Officers spent the day continuing their forensic examination of the cottage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall said CCTV footage could be "invaluable" in piecing together what happened to Mrs Methven.

He said: "I appeal to householders and businesses in the Strathearn valley to call us if they have private CCTV systems.

"That includes Forteviot and Forgandenny locally, out to Perth, Auchterarder and Glenfarg. In fact all areas extending out to and around the A9 and M90. You can help us.

"Your cameras may have picked up vital information in respect of who was in the area on Monday and that could help our enquiries. It is vital that we capture this coverage now before it is lost to us: certain systems re-record over previous footage. Call us and we will come to you.

"CCTV could play an invaluable role in our investigation but clearly, given the geography of the area, this is a challenging task in itself."

Officers also want to hear from motorists or walkers who were in the area between Dunning and Bridge of Earn at the time.

Police said there is speculation that Mrs Methven's death is connected to a series of thefts and housebreakings committed recently in Perthshire.

DCI Gall said: "We are acutely aware of these other crimes and the concerns that the communities have with regard to them. It is for the inquiry team to establish whether any connection exists but our initial enquiries have not revealed any signs of a forced entry or property being stolen from the cottage.

"Nevertheless, it is vital that we keep an open mind and resist ruling anything in or out of our inquiries."

Mrs Methven is said to have been well-liked and respected in her community and could often be seen walking her two-year-old spaniel.

Police said officers will have an increased presence in the area over the coming days to try to reassure local residents.

IN DETAIL

• Son discovered 80-year-old mother dying in cottage