Police have admitted they are involved in one of the biggest investigations Tayside has seen as they continue the hunt for Jenny Methven’s killer.
The 80-year-old was discovered in her cottage near Forteviot 11 days ago by her son, David. She had been attacked and killed with a blunt instrument.
More than 80 officers are now involved in the search, which continues to centre on the rural lower Earn valley where she spent the last 50 years of her life.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall said: ”It is fair to say that this is one of the biggest enquiries ever seen in Tayside and is a clear indication that we will use all resources and means at our disposal to trace the person responsible for Mrs Methven’s brutal murder.
”Through our methodical approach to gathering evidence and information so far, I am confident that we are getting ever closer to finding the truth.
”Someone out there knows what happened and what led to the vicious killing of an elderly woman. They should unburden themselves of that secret and contact us now. Call us before we call on you.”
Officers from outside Western Division have been drafted in to help and the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) team is also assisting. Support is also being provided by the National Policing Improvement Agency, biologists, pathologists and the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA).
Meticulous forensic examination of Mrs Methven’s house has produced almost 400 separate items of ”potential interest,” each of which will be examined in a laboratory under the guidance of a forensic coordinator.
Mr Gall said the response to appeals for information has been ”outstanding” from the community of Forteviot, the wider Perth and Kinross community and beyond.
They have responded to door-to-door enquiries, supplied CCTV footage, accepted their vehicles being stopped on the road near the scene and come forward with potentially vital information.
More than 100 phone messages were received within a short space of time from people looking to assist the investigation. Officers say the calls are being prioritised and every one of them will be responded to.
Mrs Methven was last seen walking her spaniel near to her home, just before 9am last Monday. She wore a high-visibility jacket as she walked along the road and was carrying a walking stick and what appeared to be a black bin bag.
At 10.30am she was speaking to a friend on the phone but ended the conversation when she heard a vehicle pull into her drive. That was the last time she was known to be alive, and a postman visiting later in the day said it was unusual he did not see her.
She also missed a doctor’s appointment that afternoon.
The search for the murder weapon continues, with police stating it is believed to be a blunt object. It is possible the object might appear to be bloodstained.
Residents were asked to stay alert for anything that might be out of place.
Anyone with information should call the dedicated enquiry number, 01738 892925, or the non-emergency number 0300 111 2222.