Detectives have re-opened the inquiry into the murder of Bradford pensioner Amy Shepherd.

The 86-year-old was found dead in a pool of blood at her Wibsey home four years ago. She had been strangled, stabbed and sexually assaulted.

The murder has been described as "vicious" and "callous" by police and they today issued a renewed appeal for information to find her killer.

An incident room has been set up at Bradford Central police station, with a team of ten detectives using modern DNA and computer techniques.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hyde, who is leading the inquiry, said: "This was a particularly vicious and callous murder on an elderly lady and we would appeal to anyone who can help to us to bring Amy's killer to justice to get in touch immediately."

Spinster Miss Shepherd's body was found on August 2, 1994, in her lounge at the Folly Hall Gardens residential complex. The six-inch kitchen knife used in the attack was found in her flat.

A murder inquiry was launched and detectives carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area. More than 1,000 people were interviewed and 278 statements taken.

Miss Shepherd was described as a kind, frail, likeable and independent woman.

Friend and neighbour Vera Leddy, 83, said: "I wish someone could be caught for doing this to Amy. She was a very proud, kind and popular person. Unfortunately she was too trusting and would let people into her home."

Detectives investigating Miss Shepherd's murder also examined the possibility that it could be linked with the murder of 80-year-old widow Mary Kilbride.

Richard Whelan, 22, of Sunny Bank Avenue, Bankfoot, Bradford, was jailed for life after he stabbed, strangled and punched Mrs Kilbride to her death in August 1994.

During his trial in 1995 the court heard how Whelan had also been quizzed by detectives about the murder of Miss Shepherd.

Det Supt Hyde said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have information about the murder of Miss Shepherd which they did not disclose to the police at the time of the murder, or who has covered up for someone else through misplaced loyalty.

"People may think they cannot help with the inquiry, but I would ask them to come forward."

A 22-year-old Bradford man has been questioned and is currently on police bail in connection with the inquiry.

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