Psychologist to aid murder squad

The widow's murder has shocked the local community

Detectives investigating the 'frenzied' murder of a 90-year-old woman are to enlist the help of a criminal pyschologist to create a profile of her attacker.

Forensic experts have been conducting a painstaking search for clues in the living room of a bungalow in Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, where Mabel Leyshon was repeatedly stabbed at the weekend.

Mabel Leyshon was repeatedly stabbed

On Wednesday, three days after the pensioner's body was found by a meals-on-wheels volunteer, detectives announced that the investigation is to take a different turn.

They are now bringing in experts from the national crime faculty.

It is hoped that by looking in detail at the attack and the way it was carried out, forensic psychologists and other experts may be able to create a criminal profile.

Meanwhile, officers continue to search for the murder weapon, which they describe as "some kind of bladed weapon".

Details of a salesman seen in Llanfairpwll on Friday were have also been released.

The salesman is described as being white, between 40 and 50 years of age, and of stocky build.

Detectives also want to trace the owner of a light-coloured - possibly blue - transit-type van, which was seen parked in the driveway last Wednesday.

Other villagers also reported seeing a similar van in the area.

Forensic officers enter Mrs Leyshon's bungalow

Police want to question the man - aged between 20-50 - to assist their inquiries or to eliminate him from the investigation.

DCI Clayton said officers had been stunned by the ferocity of the attack, which he described as "callous and brutal".

Mrs Leyshon had spoken to a friend from Birkenhead, Liverpool, on the telephone on Saturday at 1430GMT.

But what happened between that point and when she was found on Sunday remains a mystery, say police.

More than 60 officers are working on the murder inquiry and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out.

Mrs Leyshon had lived in Lon Pant for 40 years and neighbours said she was a private but active and independent woman.

Forensic officers spent Tuesday attempting to find clues at the murder scene before finger print experts moved in.

Detectives also plan to escort a friend of Mrs Leyshon to the house to discover if any items were stolen.

Persons with information should contact North Wales Police on 01286 684868.