THE detective heading the hunt for Betty Yates’ killer said no-one could fail to be moved by her children’s appeal and urged anyone holding back information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson gave an update on the “complex investigation” into the murder of Mrs Yates, before her son and daughter made a heartfelt appeal for information to help catch her killer.

DCI Jamieson said a significant number of police staff and officers were dedicated to the inquiry and had completed painstaking work around the scene. Officers had undertaken a “huge CCTV trawl” and were looking at forensic opportunities, as well as speaking to Mrs Yates’ friends and associates.

He reiterated that it was vital that anyone who had visited her cottage, Riverscroft, between December 28 and January 2 contacted detectives working on the case.

“No-one could fail to be moved by what we have heard from the family... and I would again urge anyone holding back information to pick up the phone now,” said DCI Jamieson.