Caller clue to 1975 murder case

Ivy Davies was found dead after she failed to show up for work

Detectives believe an anonymous caller could provide the vital breakthrough needed to help solve a 29-year-old murder investigation.

Ivy Davies was 49 years old when she was found dead at her home in Holland Road, Westcliff, Essex, in 1975.

On Friday police urged the caller to contact Crimestoppers again as they believe the person has new information.

Last month Essex Police made an appeal for fresh clues about 10 unsolved killings, including Mrs Davies' murder.

A police spokesman said the person called Crimestoppers on Thursday at about 1230 BST.

Head wounds

"The brief details they left makes us believe this person knew more about Ivy's murder than there is in the public domain," he said.

Mrs Davies, who was the owner of the Orange Tree seafront café, was found at her home on 4 February 1975 after she failed to show up for work.

She had suffered multiple head wounds and had a ligature around her neck.

Police said there was no sign of forced entry and nothing appeared to be missing from her home.

The caller was urged to contact Crimestoppers again and promised their identity would remain anonymous.