Crimewatch appeal over Doncaster death brings new leads

Nora Tait was killed after going out to buy fish and chips

Detectives searching for the killer of a South Yorkshire woman have received new leads after a BBC Television Crimewatch appeal.

Nora Tait, 69, of Stone Close Avenue, Hexthorpe, near Doncaster, was attacked shortly after buying fish and chips from a local shop on 12 October, 2005.

Mrs Tait, a retired seamstress, died in what police described as a "horrific attack" at her house.

Detectives said a number of names had been put forward following the appeal.

Earlier this year police revealed they had received an anonymous Christmas card referring to the crime, which was sent to the murder inquiry team in 2009.

Senior detectives had made an appeal for the card's author to get in touch.

Identity 'known'

Following Tuesday night's programme a senior detective said a "really good response" had followed a request for information about the sender of the card.

The force said the card read: "To the Nora Tait murder inquiry team - Keep up the good work x".

The writer adds: "I might know a little something or nothing - I will be back in touch after Christmas."

Det Supt Neil Jessop said: "The response has been such that we believe someone knows the identity of the murderer.

"Several people have contacted us to say they know the author of that card.

"It's really positive news for us, something we're following up."

He added that seven names had been put forward as to the identity of the individual shown in the e-fit.

"And a further two names have been put forward in relation to potential suspects for the murder of Nora Tait."