Murder police appeal for woman

Mrs Roddam's body was found in a field behind her home

Police investigating the murder of 74-year-old Joan Roddam at her Cornwall home are asking for help from local people to trace a woman seen at the bungalow on the day she was found dead.

Witnesses have said that a white Peugeot 306 was parked near Mrs Roddam's bungalow at West Downs, near Delabole at about 1030 on Saturday 8 November.

A woman, dressed in light clothing, and wearing a uniform similar to that worn by a nurse, was seen coming out of the gate at about that time.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Dunne said: "My hope is that someone may recognise the description of this woman, and we will be able to eliminate her from the inquiry."

Lived alone

Mrs Roddam was found murdered in a field behind her home after a friend of the family reported they had been unable to contact her.

A post-mortem examination revealed she died from asphyxiation and suffocation, but there were no signs of a struggle or excessive violence.

A police team based at Launceston has seen 600 people and taken more than 300 statements during its investigations.

Police said there did not appear to be any sign of forced entry at the bungalow, so they think Mrs Roddam knew who her murderer was.

Mrs Roddam's husband died six years ago and she lived alone with her three cats.