Elderly Woman's Murder: Police Find Hammer

Detectives trying to solve the brutal murder of an elderly woman have released a picture of a hammer they think was used in the attack.

Judith Richardson's body was discovered in the hallway of her home in the quiet market town of Hexham, Northumberland, on Friday evening.

A post-mortem examination showed the 77-year-old, who never married and lived alone, died from head injuries.

"We have recovered a hammer which we believe at this time may have been the weapon used to cause the head injuries that killed Miss Richardson," said DCI Paul Young, who is leading the investigation.

"It was discovered in an Aldi carrier bag on Saint Wilfrid's Road and we are keen to establish how it got there.

"Anyone who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously with a white Aldi carrier bag around the Saint Wilfrid's Road area of Hexham since Friday evening is asked to contact police."

Police discovered Miss Richardson's body after her handbag and some of its contents were found dumped in a bin in Newcastle city centre.

They went to her house thinking they were dealing with a simple case of lost property or theft.

Officers spent the weekend seeking out CCTV images from public and private cameras to find out how the handbag came to be in a bin in Clayton Street, Newcastle.

DCI Young urged anyone who saw anything suspicious on a bus, train or taxi between Hexham and Newcastle on Friday to come forward.

"We want to speak to anyone who may have taken a bus or train from the Hexham area on Friday afternoon and witnessed anything unusual," he said.

"If you witnessed anything untoward at any of the Hexham transport stations or on arrival at Newcastle we urge you to contact police.

"We are also keen to speak to any taxi drivers in the area who may have noticed anything or made a journey from Hexham to Newcastle on Friday."

Miss Richardson's family released a statement saying: "This has been a devastating loss and we are all in a state of shock. Judith was a wonderful person and we all loved her dearly.

"We hope that anyone who can will help police with their inquiries. We thank everyone for their condolences and ask that others respect the privacy of our family at this extremely difficult time."

Northumbria Police said a man and woman who were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder have been released on bail as inquiries continue.

Anyone with any information can be contacted on 03456 043 043 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.