Police detained three men suspected of robbing and murdering an elderly woman at Kampung Kutan Tengah, Tumpat here last Sunday.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the suspects, aged between 25 and 33, were picked up at Wakaf Baharu, Tumpat about noon.

"We're investigating the DNA samples found at the scene. One of the suspects has two prior criminal records," he said in a statement here.

"We will apply for their remand under Section 302 of the Penal Code at the Tumpat Magistrates Court tomorrow," he said.

In the 3.30 am incident, Wan Meriam Wan Mahmood, 85, who lived alone was killed by robbers who broke into her house.

The victim had died of strangulation and was discovered by her grandson Mohd Faizal Abdul Samad, 30.