IN BRIEF : Bludgeoned woman dies from injuries

Vikki Thompson, who was beaten about the head with a rock in a vicious attack in Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, last weekend, died yesterday from her injuries. Mrs Thompson, 30, a mother-of-two, had been walking the family dog when she was attacked.

Police believe she was dragged across fields to the railway line by which she was found. Detectives said they were now carrying out a murder inquiry.