Bewdley murder victim was retired teacher
Police investigating the murder of a woman just over the Shropshire border in Bewdley today named her as Mrs Betty Yates, a retired teacher who was well known locally and formerly taught in the Wyre Forest area.
Formal identification took place this afternoon. A post mortem held overnight confirmed that Mrs Yates had died from a stab wound after she was attacked with a knife at her riverside cottage, Riverscroft, which is off Dowles Road and about two miles from Bewdley.
She had lived there alone since the death of her husband seven years ago.
Mrs Yates, who celebrated her 77th birthday on 28 December, is survived by a son and a daughter, who do not live locally.
She was very active in the community and a member of Bewdley Civic Society as well as other local groups including art, book reading and walking clubs.
Her body was found by police on Wednesday morning after officers were contacted by a friend who had been unable to contact her and was concerned for her welfare.
Forensic examination of the cottage and surrounding land continues and police cordons remain in place. A knife recovered at the scene is also being forensically examined.
Renewing an appeal for witnesses and information Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Mrs Yates's family at this sad time for them. Mrs Yates was subjected to a violent attack and we are determined to catch the person or people responsible.
"The cottage is in a secluded spot near the riverside and in an area popular with anglers and walkers. If you were near there between lunchtime on Monday and around 9am on Wednesday then please get in touch. We also need to know if you saw anyone else there or anything suspicious, including any vehicles in unusual circumstances.
"Mrs Yates was very active locally and had many friends. As part of our investigation we are trying to build up a detailed picture of her and her lifestyle and we therefore want to hear from anyone who saw or talked to her in the weeks leading up to her death. The smallest detail could be important to our investigation so if you know anything at all then please get in touch without delay."
Anyone with information should call the Major Incident Room which has been set up at Stourport Police Station on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 82-S-040112, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they wish to remain anonymous.
