Family of Doncaster woman Nora Tait plea for end to heartache in her unsolved murder as fresh appeal marks 15-year anniversary

Nora Tait was bludgeoned to death at her Doncaster home and was last seen at a local takeaway on October 12, 2005. Detectives believe she was killed the same day as her untouched fish and chip dinner was found on the dining room table.

A close friend of the 69-year-old discovered her body the following day.

15 years have now passed with Ms Tait's murder still unsolved and the weapon used to kill her never found.

The only item taken from the grandmother's home was a black leather purse, which has also never been recovered.

Ms Tait's family have spoken out on the unsolved case, describing how she was taken in the "most cruel way" possible with the knowledge that her killer was still out there "only adding to the pain".

Her family said: “Our mother, who was dearly loved by her friends, family and neighbours was murdered in her home on what could have only seemed like an ordinary day for her.

“She was taken away in the most cruel way, and never being granted the closure that we all deserve only adds to the ongoing pain we all feel.

“As always, we plead that anybody who has any information about her murder come forward. Somebody knows something, has had or overhead a conversation relating to it, and is carrying this with them. It is time to do the right thing and help us close our mother’s case, and finally allow her to rest in peace.”

Forensics teams are now taking advantage of advancements in technology to search for any un-discovered DNA traces, while the senior detective in the case has said allegiances "may have changed" over the years and urged anyone who knows anything to come forward in confidence.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton of South Yorkshire Police said: “Nora was killed in the most horrific circumstances, and 15 years on, we are still very much committed to finding her killer, and bringing some element of closure for her family.

"We have always believed that the answers as to what happened to Nora, and who killed her, lie within the local community.

“This inquiry has received an incredible amount of support from the public over the years, but I know that people’s allegiances change over time. I am urging anyone who holds information about Nora’s death, that they have never previously shared, to contact us.”

He continued: “Advancing DNA technology regularly provides us with new opportunities in cases like this. This has led to successes in other historic investigations and I am hopeful that it will lead to new lines of enquiry here.

“Nora’s family deserve to know what happened to her. If you have any information which you haven’t previously shared, no matter how insignificant, there are a number of ways you can pass this to us. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can give information anonymously.”

Anyone with information can contact South Yorkshire Police through 101 quoting incident 158 of 8 October 2020. To remain completely anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.

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