CRIMESTOPPERS is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information which helps police catch Betty Yates’ killer.

The 77-year-old retired teacher was beaten with her own walking stick before being stabbed in the neck at her remote riverside cottage in Bewdley on Monday, January 2.

Police discovered her body at Riverscroft, off Dowles Road, on Wednesday, January 4, where they found the home secure and her keys missing.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have seen the keys on a fob attached to a black, pencil case-size purse to come forward.

They are also keen to trace the authors of two anonymous letters which police received last week and a man, in his 20s, who was seen walking near her home at around the time of the murder.

The letters were typed, with one delivered to Bewdley police station and the other sent to the major investigation unit.

A driver reported seeing a man in his 20s wearing a thigh-length dark-coloured jacket walking alone along a road at about 8:30pm on January 2.

Crimestoppers regional manager for the West Midlands, Pauline Hadley, said: “This cowardly attack is especially cruel with a defenceless elderly lady being murdered in her own home. This is a shocking crime and someone knows who might have done this.

“On behalf of the devastated community we appeal for anyone with any information that might help find the murderer to contact Crimestoppers immediately.

"Your anonymity is guaranteed whether you call 0800 555 111 or fill in our online secure form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

“Tell us who is responsible so that we can bring peace for Mrs Yates friends and family.”

The reward of up to £10,000 is offered for information provided to Crimestoppers through the anonymous number that leads to an arrest and conviction of the individual/s responsible for the crime.