POLICE hunting for the killer of Betty Yates at Bewdley were today following up new leads including a sighting of potential significance following yesterday's anniversary checks in the town.

Yesterday's exercise was held two weeks on from the day Mrs Yates was last seen alive, bank holiday Monday, January 2.

Motorists were stopped as they travelled through Bewdley last night and 1,000 leaflets were handed out appealing for information and sightings of Mrs Yates after 3pm on January 2.

Officers cordoned off a section of the Dog Lane car park off Dowles Road on the outskirts of the town centre and between 4pm and 10pm spoke briefly to more than 300 passing motorists who indicated they had been in the area at the relevant time. They will be contacted again as the inquiry progresses.

Posters have also been put up around the town in shops and other key locations, including public buildings.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "We are heartened by the positive response to yesterday's checks and our appeals in general, which continue to generate new lines of inquiry. One driver in particular who we spoke to last night had seen something which is of great interest to us and information continues to come in from other sources.

"During the roadside checks traffic built up during the evening on the approach to the town from Kidderminster Road and Dowles Road. We recognise this may have caused some disruption and I would like to thank people for their patience and co-operation. Given the nature of the crime we are dealing with this was absolutely necessary and I am sure people understand that.

"I think everyone has been equally reviled by this murder and we all want the killer caught and brought to justice as soon as possible. However this is a case of some complexity and the volume of information gathered by our own inquiries and from members of the public - all of which we are very grateful for - has generated a huge amount of work.

"We have drafted in extra officers, including some from Warwickshire Police, to help deal with that and now have more than 60 police staff and officers dedicated to the case. The work we have will take some time to complete but we are all extremely positive and determined.

"Someone out there knows why this murder happened, who was responsible or has that one little piece of information that could bring this investigation to an earlier conclusion. I would urge them to come forward now."

Mrs Yates was found stabbed to death at her cottage, Riverscroft, on the morning of Wednesday, January 4, although detectives now believe the murder took place some time during the evening of the bank holiday Monday, January 2.

The property, which remains cordoned off, is at the end of a mile-long track between Dowles Road and the River Severn.

Detectives still want to hear from anyone who might have visited her at home, on or after December 28, which was her 77th birthday, or anyone who might have seen her black pencil case-size purse and keys, which are missing.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Incident Room at Stourport Police Station on 0300 333 3000 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.