Police renew murder appeal

Two pictures of Julie Foster

Detectives investigating the murder of a woman whose body was found by her eight-year-old son are trying to track down a physiotherapist in Wolverhampton.

Julie Foster, 45, was found in a pool of blood by her son Jay at their home in Elsenham, near Stansted, Essex, on 10 July.

Essex Police said they also want to hear from bird food dealers who worked in the area near the pet shop Mrs Foster owned in the High Road in Thorndon.

Officers carried out a series of road checks last week near the murder scene, but said there had been a limited response.

Tributes were left to the dead woman

Police believe Jay Foster may have heard his mother's killer entering her bedroom.

Detectives said Jay was woken by "creaking footsteps" climbing stairs a few hours before he discovered his mother's battered body

Officers said the weeping youngster dialled 999 and told an operator what he had found.

Essex Police want to hear from a physiotherapist living in Wolverhampton who knew Mrs Foster.

He is thought to have connections with Australia and was known to drink in the Crooked House Pub.

Appeal to customers

Detective Superintendent Ian McNeill, the officer leading the investigation, said a number of people who knew Julie Foster were still being sought.

"She owned a pet shop in the High Road in Thorndon, near Epping and so we are particularly keen to talk with customers and traders of Blake Hall Birds who have yet to come forward.

"Challenges Gym in Bishop's Stortford remains a focus for the investigation team and again we are keen to hear from regulars who got to know Julie over a period of several months."

Jay Foster is being looked after by his father, Eric, who was separated from Mrs Foster.