Madam Tan was half-naked when she was found at about 1pm. Neighbours had complained of a stench coming from her flat at Block 38 in Chai Chee Avenue.

Yesterday, her body was identified by a woman who claimed to be a long-time friend.

She told reporters that although she had known Madam Tan for several years, she knew very little about her.

The woman, who declined to give her name, said Madam Tan had been unemployed for years. But she was not in financial trouble and was living off her savings.

It is understood that Madam Tan's body has yet to be claimed and further forensic examinations will be conducted.

The police were alerted to the grim discovery after a resident in the block rang them about a foul smell coming from the flat.

They found Madam Tan's body in the flat after breaking down the door. There were visible injuries on her and no murder weapons were recovered.

The police officers later carted off pillows and bedsheets, among other things.

Neighbours said they knew very little about Madam Tan, although they sometimes saw a male friend visiting her in the flat.

A neighbour, masseuse Ng Cheng Hock, 38, recalled waking up to some noises at 2am last Friday.

'I thought I was dreaming. When I woke up, I heard feet stamping, like people running, and then a woman screamed. There was silence after that,' he said.

Another neighbour, who declined to be named, said Madam Tan kept to herself.

Speaking in Mandarin, she said: 'She is a very quiet person. Even when I greet her and see her in the corridor, she would just smile and quickly get back into her flat.'