Police are investigating the death of a 73-year-old east London pensioner who plunged 40ft from Holborn Viaduct in the City.

Brenda Khan, a retired former Met Police officer from Scotland Yard, died after walking out of her care home at Stepney Green and taking a bus to Holborn.

She had been suffering from depression, her family has told the East London Advertiser, and had left a note at the Pat Shaw care home in Globe Road.

But the home would not comment today or confirm anything about her.

Brenda moved into the home three years ago after a series of treatments for bipolar disorder at the Mile End Hospital.

“My aunt’s death has come as a shock to the family,” her niece Loretta Oscislawsli said.

“She was a healthy, active woman who loved going out shopping and always took care of herself. She spent a lot of time at Stepney City Farm with the animals.”

Brenda, one of 14 children who grew up in the East End in the post-war years, wrote a note in her diary to her family before walking out of the home.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, City Police said. An inquest is to be held at City of London Coroner’s Court and a funeral is planned by the family at City of London Crematorium in Manor Park.