A 72-year-old woman accused of beating her eight-year-old granddaughter to death in front of her brothers and sisters has been seized by police.

Suspect Patricia Ann Rick – now charged with the child’s murder – is said to have battered the youngster at the family home in Nashville, North Carolina, USA, on Tuesday, 7th February.

Then she drove her body to hospital while one of the girl’s siblings phoned ahead and told them she was coming.

But medics called police when the girl was brought in with severe injuries all over her body.

By the time investigators arrived at the emergency room, the girl had passed away.

Nash County police discovered that the girl was living with five brothers and sisters and Ricks, who was their legal guardian.

Some of the children were reportedly present when the eight-year-old was beaten, it has emerged.

Ricks was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse with severe injury.

She was placed in the Nash County Detention Center without bond.

Her first court appearance is scheduled for 9th February.

The eight-year-old siblings were checked out by medical professionals and later placed in the care of the Department of Social Services.