The murder of a Perthshire pensioner could be linked to a spate of housebreakings and bogus callers, it has emerged.
Confirming the death of Janet Methven is officially being treated as murder it had initially been described as ”suspicious” the man heading the investigation into her death said the police were keeping ”an open mind” to the possibility of a link to recent incidents.
Now heading a murder hunt, Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall said that a post-mortem examination in Dundee confirmed that Mrs Methven, who died at her home near Forteviot on Monday, had sustained injuries to her head and body.
He acknowledged that there had been speculation that Mrs Methven’s death may in some way be connected to other crimes that have been committed recently in Perthshire, including thefts, housebreakings and bogus callers, and that this was an ongoing line of inquiry.
The news came on the day Mrs Methven’s son David expressed his gratitude for the support given by the local community and appealed for information to help establish who killed his mother.
”I am absolutely devastated at the death of my mother,” said Mr Methven, who also lived at the cottage at Kildinny Farm.
”As well as being a wonderful mother, she was an extremely generous person someone who was a true friend to others and always willing to give her energies and time freely.
”I miss her desperately and would appeal to anyone who can assist Tayside Police with their inquiries to get in touch with them.”Son’s thanksHe added: ”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and others who have expressed their sympathies and sorrow at what has happened. Their kind words do offer some comfort and I am grateful for that.
”I also appreciate the media’s interest and would ask them to continue to support the police investigation to establish what has happened. However, I would also ask that they provide me with space and time to grieve in private.”
Mr Gall said: ”We are acutely aware of these other crimes and the concerns that the communities have with regard to them.
”It is for the inquiry team to establish whether any connection exists, but our initial inquiries have not revealed any signs of a forced entry or property being stolen from the cottage.
”Nevertheless it is vital that we keep an open mind and resist ruling anything in or out of our inquiries.”
Janet Methven known as Jenny was found dead by her businessman son David at the cottage they shared at Kildinny Farm at about 5.15pm on Monday. She had suffered injuries and, while an ambulance was called, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A major police inquiry was mounted following the discovery of Mrs Methven’s body and a detailed forensic examination of her home continued on Wednesday, along with extensive searches of the grounds around the cottage, which lies between Forgandenny and Forteviot, south of the A9.
The road to the front of Mrs Methven’s home is likely to remain closed for days, with a diversion taking motorists away from the scene.
Police officers also continued door-to-door inquiries in the surrounding area and there was an increased police presence to provide reassurance. Residents were being encouraged to discuss any concerns with the officers.
The latest tack of the Tayside Police investigation was an appeal for the assistance of householders and businesses in the Strathearn valley to help them make a breakthrough in the case.
Mr Gall said: ”CCTV could play an invaluable role in our investigation but clearly, given the geography of the area, this is a challenging task.
”I appeal to householders and businesses in the Strathearn valley to call us if they have private CCTV systems. That includes Forteviot and Forgandenny locally, out to Perth, Auchterarder and Glenfarg. In fact all areas extending out to and around the A9 and M90. You can help us.”Polie appeal for helpHe added: ”Your cameras may have picked up vital information in respect of who was in the area on Monday and that could help our inquiries.
”It is vital that we capture this coverage now before it is lost to us (certain systems re-record over previous footage). Call us and we will come to you.”
Mrs Methven was last spoken with at about 10.30am on Monday when she had a conversation over the phone with a friend.
A leading light in Forgandenny WRI, Mrs Methven was very well-known, liked and respected in the community and could often be seen walking her two-year-old spaniel.
Inquiry officers want to establish the deceased’s movements during Monday and want to hear from drivers or walkers who were in the area between Dunning and Bridge of Earn and may have seen her.
Tayside Police also wants to hear from anyone who was in the Strathearn valley area who may have seen anything suspicious.
Anyone who can assist Tayside Police should call 0300 111 2222, or speak to their local officer.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
News of the tragic death was still sinking in with residents of Forgandenny and Forteviot.
”I can’t get over it,” said Betty Little, a fellow member of Forgandenny WRI. ”I came here 13 years ago and joined the rural to get to know people.”
Another village resident, who declined to be named, said: ”Her death has deeply shocked people in the village, especially as we don’t really know what happened.”