Dorothy Anderton's killer still at large

7:57am Thursday 20th March 2008

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SIX years have passed since pensioner Dorothy Anderton was attacked while out walking in Old Hall.

The 87-year-old died after she was violently mugged on a footpath off Cavendish Close.

Mrs Anderton's attacker snatched her handbag containing £400 in cash - money she had been saving to buy new dentures.

But yesterday, Wednesday, on the sixth anniversary of her death, her killer remained at large and police admit they are no closer to finding the murderer.

Detective Sergeant Matt Durkin, who worked on the original investigation, said: "Unfortunately the situation is still the same.

"We have had recent successes in relation to similar offences, but not in this case specifically.

"When people pinch handbags and target old ladies we are very keen to do what we can, because we understand it can have devastating consequences.

"We are still hoping that a breakthrough will come."

Detectives hope that either the culprit will come forward or somebody who knows what happened will do the right thing and pick up the phone.

DS Durkin added: "I am still expecting a phone call one day from somebody sat in a cell who says they want to get something off their chest.

"We frequently make arrests for a series of offences like this, but in this case, it was never linked to another offence.

"It may have been somebody passing through the area or it may be a local kid who is staying quiet."

A man was arrested at the time but later released without charge.

Her killer is believed to be aged between 17 and 30 and of a slim build.

Anyone with information should call Warrington Police on 08458 0000.