New lead on housewife murder

NEW information about a murder which took place 30 years ago has been received by Essex Police who now say they will be forensically re-examining exhibits found at the scene.

Colchester housewife Kay O'Connor was brutally strangled and stabbed to death in her Wickham Road kitchen in March 1974.

Although the killing shocked the town and received high profile coverage, her murderer was never caught.

A police spokesman said yesterday: "A new lead has come to light after all these years which we are currently looking into.

"Changes in technology mean there are further forensic tests we can do today which were not possible at the time and we will be conducting these."

Mrs O'Connor's death was one of those highlighted by Essex Police as part of the force's push to solve a number of "cold crimes".

Last month, Crimestoppers announced rewards to help solve 10 undetected Essex murder investigations in a joint initiative by the charity and Essex Police.

And yesterday a fresh appeal was made to the public to help find another murderer who has so far managed to evade justice.

Chef and father-of-two Keith Forster was found stabbed at his Essex home in 1997.

It was hoped to include his case in the campaign but Essex Police had been unable to make contact with his family prior to the deadline.

As a result of an article in a local newspaper, Mr Forster's family contacted the force and are keen to support a renewed appeal.

A Crimestoppers reward of up to £5,000 is now being offered in relation to the murder.

On the evening of Friday, January 10, Mr Forster, a 50-year-old chef was found murdered at his home, a chalet bungalow in Overhall Lane, Ashdon, near Saffron Walden.

Mr Forster, whose body was found by a female friend, had died from severe head injuries thought to have been inflicted by a short, long-bladed heavy implement such as a machete or kitchen cleaver.

He also had various stab wounds to his body. Mr Forster owned a set of kitchen knives, including a cleaver, which has never been found.

The father of two young daughters was separated from his wife Frances. He was known to be something of a ladies' man and was living with a woman at the time of his death.

Mr Forster was also suffering from depression due to the failure of numerous business ventures and was heavily in debt.

It is known that the victim was visited at around 4pm on January 10, 1997, when he was seen to be fit and well. He spoke over the phone to another friend between 5pm and 6pm. His body was found at 7pm.

Anyone with any information which might help solve this crime should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are treated in the strictest of confidence.