OAP murder 'brutal' say detectives

The scene of the murder is cordoned off by police

Detectives hunting the murderer of a 90-year-old widow on Anglesey have described the murder as the most callous and brutal they have ever encountered.

Mabel Leyshon died following a break-in at her home in Lon Pant, Llanfairpwll on Anglesey.

A woman volunteer delivering meals on wheels discovered Mrs Leyshon's body in her sitting room at 1230 GMT on Sunday.

Mabel Leyshon was repeatedly stabbed

She had been repeatedly stabbed, and at a news conference in Caernarfon on Tuesday, detectives admitted they were stunned by the ferocity of the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector John Clayton said that whoever was responsible for the attack was "a callous, brutal, and dangerous person".

Forensic teams are continuing their search of the Mrs Leyshon's detached bungalow.

When they have completed their work, detectives intend to take a friend of the dead woman to Mrs Leyshon's bungalow to try to establish whether anything was stolen in the attack.

It has emerged that Mrs Leyshon was still alive on Saturday afternoon.

A friend has come forward to say she phoned her from Birkenhead at 1430 GMT on Saturday.

Officers have said they want to trace the owner of a blue transit van which is thought to have been seen in the drive of the pensioner's home last Wednesday.

An eye witness has told detectives that a white man aged between 20 and 50 was sitting in the passenger seat.

If nothing else, police said they are keen to eliminate the van's driver from the murder inquiry.

They also issued an appeal for anyone who saw Mrs Leyshon in the days leading up to Sunday's attack to contact them.

A post mortem examination has been carried out by a Home Office pathologist and an incident room has been set up.

Police patrols have been stepped up in the area

More than 60 officers are working on the murder inquiry, including specialist forensic and search teams. House-to-house enquiries are being carried out.

Police are continuing to hunt for the weapon which they describe as "some kind of bladed weapon".

DCI Clayton also appealed for local residents to be good neighbours, particularly if they live near elderly people.

He said officers were aware of local fears in the wake of the attack and would be increasing patrols in the area.