An elderly woman was found stabbed to death at her home in Butterworth, Eastern Cape police said on Sunday.

Captain Jackson Manatha said the 83-year-old woman's adopted son had left her alone on Saturday at the R1 Location Tholeni village to watch soccer at a house with a television.

"On arrival on Sunday, the youngster found the house locked. He thought the grandmother had gone to church, he also left," said Manatha.

However, her body was found at 1.30pm on Sunday by an elderly friend who was concerned as she had not arrived in church.

"She found the door closed and forced it open. The elderly woman's upper body had stab wounds. Nothing was taken inside the house," said Manatha.

He appealed to anyone with information to contact Butterworth police on 047 401 3468.

Sapa