Betty Yates murder: Lead of 'potential significance'

Police were alerted by a friend concerned for Betty Yates's welfare

Police have said they are following up a lead of "potential significance" after the murder of a retired teacher.

Betty Yates, 77, was found stabbed in her cottage by the River Severn in Bewdley in Worcestershire on 4 January.

West Mercia Police spoke to more than 300 motorists in an operation two weeks after Mrs Yates was last seen alive.

Det Ch Insp Neil Jamieson said: "One driver in particular who we spoke to last night had seen something which is of great interest to us."

Motorists driving through Bewdley on Tuesday night were stopped and questioned by the police.

Posters have been put up around the town and 1,000 leaflets were handed out appealing for information and sightings of Mrs Yates.

Det Ch Insp Jamieson said: "We have drafted in extra officers, including some from Warwickshire Police, and now have more than 60 police staff and officers dedicated to the case."

Mrs Yates was found at the foot of the stairs in her cottage.

West Mercia Police have also revealed her home was locked when her body was discovered.

Her walking stick and the knife used have since been recovered, but the keys to the property have not yet been located, police said on Monday.