New appeal 35 years after woman's murder

Ann Heron had been sunbathing in her garden but was later found dead inside her home

Detectives investigating the murder of a mother-of-three are appealing for new information on the 35th anniversary of her death.

Ann Heron had been sunbathing in her garden in Darlington on 3 August 1990 and was found later in her living room with her throat cut.

Despite a police investigation spanning decades, the 44-year-old's killer was never caught.

Det Supt Craig Rudd, from Durham Police, said Mrs Heron's family had "been left devastated by what happened" and deserved closure.

"We will never give up trying to find who killed her," he said.

Mrs Heron's body was found at her address at Aeolian House on the A67 at 18:00.

Police said there had been no sign of a struggle.

Criticisms of the case

Mrs Heron's step-daughter, Debbie Simpson, previously criticised the police's handling of the investigation, which initially led to her father, Peter Heron, being charged with her murder in 2005.

However, the case against him was eventually dropped.

A private investigator, hired by Mr Heron, claimed a violent criminal, who was on the run from prison, may have been responsible for Mrs Heron's death.

Michael Benson was described as a "viable suspect" by the investigator.

A blue car had been seen outside the Heron's home at the time of the murder and Benson had owned a blue car.

Ms Simpson claimed Benson, who died in 2011, had never been investigated as a suspect.

'Never too late'

The force said detectives were using advances in forensic technology as part of their review and were keen to hear from anyone who might know something but did not report it at the time.

"Our major crime team continues to review the case and investigate any new information in the hope of identifying evidence to prove who is responsible," Det Supt Rudd said.

"We would urge anyone who might know something from that day, however insignificant they think it might be to come forward and get in touch.

"It is never too late."