Hunt for knife used in murder

The Howard family car was found in a pub car park

Detectives investigating the "vicious" stabbing of a 79-year-old woman in her home have appealed for help to find the murder weapon.

The body of Adelaide Howard was found by her husband in the kitchen of their home in Winterbourne near Bristol.

Police have described the pensioner's murder while her husband John was out playing golf, as "vicious and brutal".

Mr Howard, 78, found his wife in a pool of blood last Wednesday.

Mrs Howard was found by her husband

The couple's car had been stolen but was found two days later in a pub car park.

Forensic scientists have been examining the vehicle.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said a knife was seen on the road in Hambrook, Bristol, but could have been picked up and taken away.

An extensive search failed to locate the knife and detectives have appealed for the public's help.

The spokesman said Mr Howard left his home at 0730 GMT on Wednesday.

His wife went shopping and returned home on her bicycle at around 1030 GMT. Her body was discovered two hours later.