Murdered woman 'stabbed 49 times'

Dr Johnston's parents called police after they could not contact her

A murder hunt is under way after a 55-year-old woman was found with 49 stab wounds to her body.

Barbara Madeline Johnston was discovered dead at her home off Woodstock Road in Oxford during the early hours of Thursday morning.

Post-mortem tests showed she died of multiple stab wounds and asphyxia.

Ms Johnston, who had a doctorate in philosophy, had only lived in the flat since September as she has been living in New Zealand for 23 years.

I appreciate that this is a worrying time for the people living in this area Det Ch Insp Steve Tolmie

With no sign of any forced entry, or anything taken from the flat, detectives believe Dr Johnston may have opened the door to her killer and may have known her attacker.

But police say they have no motive for the murder and investigations are already under way into her lifestyle.

Det Ch Insp Steve Tolmie said: "Dr Johnston was killed in a shocking attack in her own home and a full investigation is now under way to track down her killer.

"At this time her last contact was on Monday afternoon when she spoke on the telephone to a letting agent.

"Her parents raised the alarm on Wednesday when they became concerned for her welfare after not hearing from her.

"This is obviously a very traumatic incident and we are working closely with Dr Johnston's family, who are from the midlands, to give them the support they need to get through this terrible time.

"I appreciate that this is a worrying time for the people living in this area but would like to reassure them that a full investigation is under way and together with help from the public we can bring whoever is responsible to justice."