Bewdley fatal stabbing woman Betty Yates was ex-teacher

Betty Yates, 77, was a retired teacher who had taught in the Wyre Forest

Police have released the name of an elderly woman who was murdered at an isolated Worcestershire house.

Betty Yates, 77, was a retired teacher who had taught in the Wyre Forest area.

A post-mortem examination held overnight confirmed that Mrs Yates had died from a stab wound after she was attacked with a knife.

Her body was found by police at her riverside cottage, Riverscroft, which is off Dowles Road and about two miles from Bewdley.

A police spokesman said Mrs Yates had lived there alone since the death of her husband seven years ago.

The spokesman said she was well known locally and had a son and a daughter who do not live in the area.

She was also a member of Bewdley Civic Society and local art, book reading and walking clubs.

Her body was found by police on 4 January after officers were contacted by a friend who had been unable to contact her and was concerned for her welfare.

'Violent attack'

Forensic examination of the cottage and surrounding land is continuing and police cordons remain in place. A knife recovered at the scene is also being forensically examined.

The alarm was raised by a friend of the woman

Det Ch Insp Neil Jamieson, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Mrs Yates's family at this sad time for them.

"Mrs Yates was subjected to a violent attack and we are determined to catch the person or people responsible.

"The cottage is in a secluded spot near the riverside and in an area popular with anglers and walkers."

He asked anyone who was near there between lunchtime on 2 January and about 09:00 GMT on 4 January to contact police.

Det Ch Insp Jamieson added: "Mrs Yates was very active locally and had many friends.

"As part of our investigation we are trying to build up a detailed picture of her and her lifestyle and we therefore want to hear from anyone who saw or talked to her in the weeks leading up to her death.

"The smallest detail could be important to our investigation so if you know anything at all then please get in touch without delay."

Information can be passed to West Mercia Police or anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers.