Woman, 82, beheaded in broad daylight in back garden

A woman was beheaded in broad daylight in a suburban back garden yesterday.

Palmira Silva, 82, who is believed to be of Italian descent, was found dead outside a house in Edmonton, north London.

Scotland Yard said that while formal identification had yet to take place, its officers were satisfied she was the victim discovered in Nightingale Road.

A 25-year-old man was Tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene by armed officers, some of whom were injured in a struggle.

Scotland Yard said it was also investigating an attempted attack on two people at another house in the road before Ms Silva was killed.

The house in the busy street where Ms Silva’s body was found was the scene of a major police operation.

Scotland Yard revealed its officers distracted the man after he was seen going through back gardens in Nightingale Road to prevent him attacking anyone else while they evacuated people from nearby homes.

Neighbours described the terrifying scene as events unfolded.

Last night local residents were still waiting to be allowed back in their homes and the road remained cordoned off as forensics officers continued their work.

Scotland Yard said the incident was not believed to be terror-related, and its homicide and major crime command was leading the investigation.

A neighbour who knew the victim said she was “such a sweet lady” who still went to work every day in a nearby cafe.

The woman said: “I’ve lived here since 1987 and I’ve known her since then.

“Her husband died about five years ago. I think she came from Italy originally.

“I was speaking to her yesterday. She was weeding in the front garden, she loved her gardening.”