WELL-KEPT gardens sit next to shops draped with metal curtains. On one street, the words, ''Colin is a dead man'', are scrawled across an empty building. Galston may be an East Ayrshire village with typical problems of drugs and deprivation. But, until Sunday, it was not known for violent crime against its elderly residents.

The vicious attack on Margaret Irvine, a 91-year-old grandmother, on Sunday set it apart from the break-ins which have recently worried people on Barward Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Willie Prendergast said the widow, whose home had been raided within the past few months, had been subjected to a particularly violent ordeal.

He said: ''This was your typical old lady who was too trusting. At this time, we have still to establish a motive for this senseless crime committed against a well-respected senior member of the community.''

Mrs Irvine suffered from sciatica, a condition which impaired her mobility. Her body was discovered by Violet Connell, one of five home helps who visited her .

A widow who lost husband John several years ago, Mrs Irvine was understood to have two daughters, Lillian and Margaret, who both live in Ayrshire and a son, who died many years ago. She lived next door to nephew Charles Keers, who was too upset to comment.

Detectives yesterday reassured residents that the police presence will be stepped up and unmarked cars will be on patrol.

The murder has shaken Mrs Irvine's neighbours, many of whom are elderly and living on their own.

One woman, who has lived on the street for more than 60 years, said: ''It knocks you for six to be told something like that. I just would not have thought this could happen. My doors are locked all day but still, it makes you wonder. It is quite a shock.''

Another neighbour and friend, Nancy Boyes, said: ''She was a lovely chatty lady but I knew she hadn't been keeping well.

''It's very worrying. I'm concerned about my mother - she's on her own and an awful one for opening the door to strangers.''

Mrs Boyce added: ''The community has changed for the worse, with a lot of the young ones drinking heavily and taking drugs. Somebody was stabbed on Catherine Drive just a couple of months ago. I have seen ones that I know are dabbling in it hanging around down Mrs Irvine's end of the street.''

This concern was shared by Chris Wilson, whose parents have lived near Mrs Irvine for more than 20 years: ''There have always been problems here but the council have now moved a lot of drug addicts into Catherine Drive. It's getting really rough.''

Some residents claim that council housing policy has increased a significant number of people who they believe are responsible for many of Galston's problems.

However, Isobel Macrae, a resident and local councillor, warned villagers not to discriminate. ''I do realise people are concerned, but you cannot create sections within the community which would become ghettoes.''

But she added: ''This has certainly put a lot of fear into residents, especially the elderly who are most at risk. They do get frightened alone in their own home town. They should make sure they will be secure and not be afraid to approach myself, the council or the police.''