Crimewatch Appeal Over Betty Yates Murder

Betty YatesCrimewatch will focus on the Betty Yates murder investigation with an appeal on tomorrow night's programme (Thursday, 26 January) for information to help track down her killer.

The studio appeal by presenter Kirsty Young will urge the authors of two anonymous letters received by police to come forward and tell detectives what they know. Both letters were typed and one was posted in a hand-written envelope delivered to Bewdley Police Station on Monday, 16 January.

The other, posted in an envelope with a printed address, was handed to officers in the Major Incident Room at Stourport two days later (Wednesday 18 January). They contain different information and are thought to have come from separate sources.

The programme will appeal for information from anyone who knows who was responsible for the murder or who was near Mrs Yates's riverside cottage off Dowles Road, Bewdley, on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 January, when it is believed she was killed. She was found stabbed to death two days later, 4 January, and had also been attacked with one of her own walking sticks. Police also want to talk to anyone who visited her in the days before her death.

The appeal will also highlight a reward of up to £10,000 offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for anyone who calls them anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information leading to arrest and conviction of the killer or killers.

Crimewatch is shown tomorrow night on BBC One at 9pm.

West Mercia Police's Major Incident Room at Stourport can be contacted on 0300 333 3000.

Issued: Wednesday, 25 January 2012