Fresh appeal in widow murder hunt

Mrs Hughes was attacked in her home

Police investigating the murder of 90-year-old Elsie Hughes are appealing for a couple seen outside a restaurant near her home to come forward.

The couple were seen at the Kowloon takeaway in Abermorddu, near Wrexham, on Thursday evening, the night Mrs Hughes was attacked.

They are believed to have spoken to another man there, who detectives say they are anxious to trace.

Staff at the takeaway say he was acting suspiciously at the restaurant.

The couple are thought to have spoken to the man as they sat in their car eating a meal they had bought at the takeaway.

Police say the couple are between 40 and 50 years old, and drove off towards the village of Hope, near Wrexham.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ross Duffield who is leading the inquiry for North Wales Police said: "I am directly appealing to that couple who were seen at the takeaway to come forward and speak to us in the incident room immediately.

MAN'S DESCRIPTION 5' 10", medium build 25-30 years old Short, dark hair, with a fringe Light coloured hooded top Dark tracksuit bottoms White trainers

"We believe they may have spoken to the male we are anxious to trace in connection with the murder of Elsie Hughes."

Police say he is believed to have entered the takeaway around four times between 1800BST and 1900BST on the evening the 90-year-old was attacked.

Det Ch Supt Duffield said that tracing the man was among a number of leads the murder team is following.

A detailed forensic examination of the scene is continuing

Forensic teams are still searching Mrs Hughes' home to find out if anything was stolen and house-to-house inquiries are continuing.

On Monday, Mrs Hughes granddaughter, Claire Hughes, described her murder as a "senseless and wicked act" which had "devastated our small, close family".

Mrs Hughes, who had been a head cook at a local school, died in hospital on Friday after being attacked. Police have not established a motive for the murder, but confirmed that Mrs Hughes had been the victim of a distraction burglary at her home in August.

Anyone with information can call 0845 6071002 (English language line), or 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.