An elderly woman may have lain dead in her home for months before being discovered by the police.

Police officers battered down the door of the 81-year-old's property in the Torry area of the city on Thursday after a neighbour raised concerns.

It is understood the woman, who lived in Balnagask Road in Aberdeen, had not been seen since before Christmas.

Maureen Watt, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP, has written to the city council to ask what measures are in place to prevent a similar situation happening in the future.

She said: "I was absolutely horrified to learn that this woman may have been lying dead in her home since before Christmas.
 
"I also find it extremely concerning that no-one raised the alarm sooner.
 
"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of local community and the responsibilities which people have to look after their older and more vulnerable neighbours.
 
"I’ve written to Aberdeen City Council to ask them what measures are in place to prevent an incident like this taking place, and what procedures are in place to identify people who may be in a similar situation."