A RETIRED teacher stabbed to death in a “violent attack” at her remote home had just celebrated her birthday, it has emerged.

Betty Yates, who had turned 77 on December 28, was found murdered in her cottage on the edge of Bewdley on Wednesday, January 4.

She had lived at Riverscroft alone since the death of her husband seven years ago.

Mrs Yates was “well known locally”, had “many friends” and had taught in the Wyre Forest area, said police. Officers also said she was “very active in the community” and a member of Bewdley Civic Society as well as art, reading and walking clubs. Her murder has left a son and daughter in mourning.

Police found a knife at the scene, and a post-mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist revealed she died from a single stab wound.

A friend raised the alarm after calling police to say she had not heard from the victim for some time.

When officers entered her cottage, which is off Dowles Road near the river Severn, they found the woman downstairs.

Detectives believe she died between Monday and Wednesday morning, and want to hear from anyone who has any information relating to the attack.

The scene is still cordoned off and a heavy police presence remains in the area.

Forensic specialists are carrying out a fingertip search of the scene and surrounds for clues as to who killed Mrs Yates, and why.

West Mercia Police detectives are running their murder probe from an incident room at Stourport police station.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this sad time.

“Mrs Yates’ cottage is in a secluded spot near the riverside and in an area popular with anglers and walkers.

“If you were near there between lunchtime on Monday, January 2, and about 9am on Wednesday then please get in touch.

“We also need to know if you saw anyone else there or anything suspicious, including any vehicles in unusual circumstances.

“Mrs Yates was very active locally and had many friends.

“As part of our investigation we are trying to build up a detailed picture of her and her lifestyle and we therefore want to hear from anyone who saw or talked to her in the weeks leading up to her death.

“She was subjected to a violent attack and we are determined to catch the person or people responsible.

“The smallest detail could be important to our investigation so if you know anything at all, then please get in touch without delay.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 3333000, quoting 82S/04/01/12 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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