An 82-year-old woman has been beheaded in the garden of a house in north London.

Armed police detained a 25-year-old suspect on suspicion of murder after the body of Palmira Silva was found in Edmonton around 1pm yesterday. One officer suffered a broken wrist during the arrest and Tasers were also fired.

Police said they did not believe there was a terrorist motive, with the Metropolitan Police homicide and major crime command leading the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin said "This was a highly visible attack in broad daylight on a residential street.

"I can understand why this may cause people con-cern. However, we are confident that we are not looking for anyone else at this stage.

"Whilst it is too early to speculate on what the motive behind this attack was, I am confident, based on the information available to me, that it is not terrorist-related," he added.

"Local officers and specialist detectives are at the scene and will remain there for many hours to come.

Specially-trained family liaison officers will be dep-loyed to support the family.

"We request that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."

A police spokesman said the force was not prepared to comment on the exact nature of the woman's injuries or the type of weapon or weapons used.

A police cordon was in place sealing off a section of the road where it happened.

One of the house's front windows was smashed.