New clues in 27-year-old murder

Police hope advances in DNA technology will help solve the case

Police investigating the murder of a Bristol nurse 27 years ago say advances in science have given them new clues to the killer's identity.

Susan Donaghue, 44, was hit over the head six or seven times before being sexually assaulted by an attacker who had climbed into her basement flat in Downleaze, Stoke Bishop, as she slept.

The brutal killing shocked the city, but despite an extensive investigation, the culprit was never caught.

Now a team of officers from Avon and Somerset Police have been called in to take a fresh look at the case - and they say they are hopeful of a breakthrough.

DNA testing

It is thought DNA testing - not available at the time of the murder - may be able to rule out a number of suspects from the original inquiry.

Detective Inspector Phil Kennell said: "Cases like this one never close, we are always looking to reinvestigate them.

"We have a small team of officers who are reviewing offences of rape, murder and serious sexual assault going back as far as 1958 in the light of advances in science and DNA.

"As far as the Susan Donoghue case is concerned, we are quietly optimistic."