06/03/2007

Two sought over pensioner's death

Police investigating the death of a housebound pensioner are trying to trace too youths in connection with her murder.

Nottinghamshire Police said that two white males wearing dark hooded tops were seen near the back of Hilda Owen's home in West Hill in Skegby shortly before 1am on March 1.

The body of Mrs Owen, 71, was found inside the home by a concerned neighbour at 9:45am the next day.

A post mortem revealed that Mrs Owen had suffered a number of blows to the head, which caused serious injuries.

She had last been seen alive two days earlier.

Superintendent Mark Pollock said that there was no signs of forced entry at Mrs Owen's home, but said that there was evidence that a search had taken place. He said that police were keeping an open mind about the motives for the killing.

He said: "A Home Office post mortem revealed she had suffered serious head injuries having been struck a number of times with a blunt instrument. To date, this weapon has not been located.

"Hilda's killer would have been heavily bloodstained. Further forensic tests, subsequent to the post mortem are currently being carried out.

"A 40-strong investigation team is dedicated to this investigation and are determined to catch Hilda's killer. House-to-house inquiries continue around Hilda's home, a painstaking forensic examination of the crime scene is still being carried out and is expected to last a number of days."

Superintendent Pollock also said that the two youths being sought by police may not be connected to the murder, but said that detectives were keen to speak to them in order to eliminate them from their inquiries.

(KMcA/JM)


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