Murder probe arrest over ex-Sandwell teacher

A man was arrested today on suspicion of the murder of a 63-year-old former Black Country teacher who went missing from her Midland home nearly five months ago.

Former teacher Alethea Taylor was last seen at her home in Ludlow on January 19. Police announced today that a man in his 60s and who lives in the area was arrested this morning in connection with her disappearance.

Det Insp Dave Williams, who is based at CID in Hereford, said: "A man in his 60s was arrested at just after 7am on suspicion of murder, and he is now in custody in Hereford. Investigative work is ongoing following this arrest."

Mrs Taylor was last seen by her husband John before he left for work at about 8.30am on January 19. She was in her night clothes.

She was classified as a high-risk missing person and remains missing.

Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort by local residents, police boats and the helicopter, and sniffer dogs.

Lines of up to 100 volunteers scoured fields, woods and streams surrounding the village for more than a week in January in a bid to find Mrs Taylor.

Members of Longtown Mountain Rescue and their dogs also joined the effort. West Mercia Police used a dog handler and the force helicopter and the Severn Area Rescue Association was also involved checking streams and other water courses.

Mrs Taylor was a Year 6 teacher at Blackheath Primary School in Rowley Regis. She retired a number of years ago.

Speaking after the disappearance, Blackheath Primary School headteacher Lesley King said: "She was an experienced Year 6 teacher who was extremely popular with both children and parents alike.

By Mike Woods