Jia Ashton murder police stop town traffic

A number of people seen in the area where Jia Ashton disappeared have not been traced

Cars and pedestrians have been stopped by police as part of the hunt for the murderer of a Derbyshire woman.

Jia Ashton, 25, was found in Sleetmoor Woods, Somercotes, near Alfreton, on Sunday afternoon. She had died as the result of an assault.

She was last seen leaving work at Thorntons on 10 March and police said they were looking for information from people who took the same route.

Extra patrols have been put on in the area to reassure residents.

On Wednesday a 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the death was released without charge.

Suspicious behaviour

As part of the renewed appeal for information, detectives released CCTV of Mrs Ashton, who was 4ft 10ins tall, leaving work and a description of the clothes she was wearing.

Mrs Ashton was in a grey herringbone patterned coat with a zip-up front with the hood up, black trousers and black ankle boot type trainers. She also wore a dark blue-grey scarf with a white diamond pattern.

Det Ch Supt Steve Cotterill said it was vital anyone who was in the came forward.

"We know there were several dog walkers and joggers around at that time who have not yet contacted us.

"Even if they didn't see anything they think is out of the ordinary it is important that we talk to them so we know who they are and which route they took through the woods.

"We'd also like to hear from anyone who has suspicions about anyone they know, maybe they have been acting strangely or out of character since last Thursday."

Police have said there was no evidence a weapon had been used and there was no apparent sexual assault.