A £5,000 reward is being offered to find the killer of a woman battered to death in her bedroom.

Her daughter found Charmaine Dempsey's body at her council flat in Ivory Walk, Bewbush, Crawley.

Sixty detectives are involved in the hunt for the murderer and police say there could be a substantial reward.

Ms Dempsey, 48, was described as a drinker who had been a victim of domestic violence in the past.

Police said she was a colourful character who had many callers and they are convinced she knew her killer.

They said she may have been killed five or six weeks ago.

Her 25-year-old daughter found the badly decomposed body last Sunday.

The man leading the murder hunt, Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell, said he wanted to hear from anyone who knew her.

He said: "It is a sad reflection of the society we live in that neighbours did not notice she was not around for some time.

"I am convinced some people must have knocked on the flat door and I want them to come forward.

"It is very sad to think she lay there over the entire Christmas period.

"It is crucial that we pinpoint the time of her death."

A post-mortem at East Surrey Hospital revealed Ms Dempsey died of multiple injuries, including fractures to her skull, jaw and ribs.

Mr O'Donnell said: "The injuries were consistent with a savage beating. We do not think a weapon was involved."

He confirmed there had been a number of incidents in Ivory Walk, some connected with the dead woman or her family.

Ms Dempsey had lived in the small, two-storey block for about four years but originally came from Worthing.

Police say she was married but have no information about her husband.

Her long-term partner died of natural causes in August.

Anyone with information should call 0845 6070999.