A post mortem examination carried out on Te Atatu grandmother Cunxiu Tian has revealed she died a violent death, being struck several times around the head and face.

Police in west Auckland say she was subjected to a prolonged assault.

The 69-year-old was found by her daughter and son in-law on Friday at the Glenvil Lane home.

Police are asking residents to check for signs of attempted break-ins - marks on doors and windows, soil on door frames and window ledges, and footprints - as they piece together the events that led to her body being found.

Detective Senior Sergeant Roger Small said it was a vicious assault on a woman in a place where people should all feel safe - at home.

"This is an utterly appalling attack on an elderly woman in the place where she should have felt safe."

Police expect to be at the scene for another two days.

Detective Senior Sergeant Small is urging members of the public to contact police with information as only a few calls have been made to the dedicated 0800 number they have set up.

Te Atatu residents have been helpful and officers continue to seek information, going door-to-door in the wider area.

He said police appreciate it is a frightening situation for residents, but more information is needed.

"I can't stress enough how much we need to hear from anyone who has seen something or someone who appeared suspicious or out-of-place on Friday, or in the days before.

"If you've noticed anyone hanging around or anyone behaving in a way you thought was odd, or a family member perhaps acting strangely, we want to hear about it."

A team of around 25 investigators are working on the case, including forensic experts.

A vigil will be held on Tuesday to remember Tian.

Te Atatu Baptist Church leader David Spackman announced at a service this morning a vigil will be held to remember Tian on Tuesday.

The church is two doors away from the the house where Tian died.

CAN YOU HELP? Call the Operation Nepal team on 0800 772 271 if you have information about the death of Cun Xiu Tian.