Police have launched a murder inquiry after finding the severely injured body of a pensioner during a call-out to a burglary.

Officers were called to Hazlebury Road, Fulham, south west London, at 6.20am on Saturday after receiving reports of a break-in.

But entering the house they discovered the body of a 73-year-old man who had suffered a violent attack, Scotland Yard said.

London Ambulance Service attended and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said other people were in the house at the time but none of them were injured.

He said: "Police have carried out initial house to house inquiries and are in the process of forensically examining the scene.

"There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries continue.

"We are keeping and open mind as to the motive at this very early stage. Next of kin are aware."

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, he added.

An incident room has been set up at Belgravia Police Station and anyone with information is asked to call 020 7321 7228 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.