Police step up search for killer

Police stopped and questioned motorists

Police have intensified their hunt for the killer of a 64-year-old woman whose body was discovered in her Stirling home.

The body of partially-sighted Hilary Crowley was found in her Cowane Street flat last Thursday.

Officers have been stopping traffic and pedestrians in the street outside her home in the hope that someone can provide vital information.

Detective Inspector Graham Bye said the local community must hold clues.

A team of about 60 officers, including forensic experts, has been investigating the death.

Det Insp Bye said Mrs Crowley had been spotted leaving her home at about 1230 BST on the day before her body was discovered.

The timing of the operation is significant as it covers the period from Hilary's last sighting to shortly before the discovery of her body Det Insp Graham Bye

"However, we do not know what her movements were after that time," he said.

"We do not know where she went or how long it was before she returned to her home."

Police have been stopping pedestrians and motorists on Cowane Street, asking them if they saw anything suspicious there last week.

Information leaflets have also been distributed to drivers, pedestrians and bus passengers.

Hilary Crowley's body was found in her home

Det Insp Bye added: "The community have already been very helpful to us on this inquiry and we realise this type of operation might have some inconvenience factor.

"But it is being carried out to further the investigation of the murder of a defenceless 64-year-old lady in her own home.

"The timing of the operation is significant as it covers the period from Hilary's last sighting to shortly before the discovery of her body."