Police in new appeal over Betty Yates' final hours

Detectives hunting the killer of retired Bewdley teacher Betty Yates today released an image of a jacket she was last seen wearing as they try to piece together her final movements.

Officers today admitted they are still trying to establish exactly when the 77-year-old was murdered.

Mrs Yates was killed by a single knife wound after being attacked at her secluded cottage off Dowles Road.

A murder investigation is being carried out by police who say they are looking into possible motives – including the theory she was stabbed after disturbing burglars.

Mrs Yates was last seen by friends on Monday afternoon last week. But officers say they cannot account for 12 hours after that and have appealed for the public's help in working out what happened in that time. She was discovered dead at home on Wednesday last week at 9am by police after friends raised the alarm when she failed to turn up for a walk.

When she was last seen Mrs Yates was wearing a distinctive hip-length jacket which had a vertically striped pattern in dark red, olive green and grey.

The jacket had full sleeves and a collar but no hood. She was also wearing a dark coloured jumper, dark trousers, and carrying a black leather purse with key wallet attachment. She was driving her silver Skoda Fabia.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the murder investigation, said today: "Betty was a much-loved pillar of the community and her death has shocked everyone. We are extremely grateful and would like to thank those members of the public who have come forward with information. The response has been excellent.

"However it is vital we hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to who knows anything at all about Betty's movements and saw her between Monday afternoon and the following morning. The smallest detail could help us put together the jigsaw."

DCI Jamieson said more than 100 people had contacted police since the murder probe was launched.

Anyone with information should call the Major Incident Room at Stourport Police Station on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.