New hope in 13 year murder hunt

Ann Heron had been sunbathing on the day she died

The killer of a woman found dead at her home almost 13 years ago, could be caught by advances in forensic science, said the detective leading the hunt.

Ann Heron, 44, was sunbathing in the garden of her home at Middleton-St-George, near Darlington, when her throat was cut in what police believe was a sexually motivated attack.

Mrs Heron's body was found lying in a pool of blood by her husband on 3 August, 1990.

Detective Superintendent Dave Jones, who was recently brought in to lead the search for her killer, said a forensic breakthrough could prove to be the key.

He said vital samples taken from the scene at Aeolian House are still being held by scientists in the hope they will provide future clues.

'Useful insights'

Mr Jones said: "Despite the very considerable passage of time, no one should labour under the misapprehension the inquiry is at a standstill.

"I recently met detectives still serving with the force who worked on the original murder investigation.

"They were able to provide a range of very useful insights and we are now pursuing other lines of inquiry as a result."

Mr Jones said he was also keen to trace two men seen near Aeolian House at the time of the killing.

A suntanned man - aged between 35 and 40 - was seen speeding down the drive at 1700 BST that day,

And detectives have so far been unable to trace a man seen jogging along the A67, which runs past the entrance to the driveway.

Mr Jones added: "Setting aside my hopes for a forensic breakthrough all my predecessors have been on the same opinion - that there is someone out there with information that could bring this long-running inquiry to a close.

"All they have to do is pick up the telephone."