Murder suspect arrested after library staff tip off detectives

A SUSPECT who sparked a nationwide hunt following the murder of a 77-year-old pensioner was arrested in a North Yorkshire library after staff tipped off detectives.

Graeme Jarman, 47, was detained after employees at the library in Filey alerted Northumbria Police officers, who are leading the inquiry, on Saturday afternoon.

Detectives have been wanting to talk to Jarman, who is from Durham, in connection with the killing of 77-year-old spinster Judith Richardson.

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She was found dead at her home on Saint Wilfrid’s Road, Hexham, Northumberland, on the evening of Friday, August 19.

A police spokesman said officers were called to the library at 3pm by staff who reported a possible sighting.

Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Adamson said: “I would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance during this investigation. It has been their support which has made this arrest possible. I would also like to take the opportunity to mention the unwavering support we have received from police forces across the country.

“It is to them, as much as to the officers of Northumbria, Cleveland and Durham I owe my thanks.”

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Detectives have revealed Miss Richardson, who lived alone and never married, was beaten to death with a hammer.

She was found dead in the hallway of her stone-built terraced house in sought-after St Wilfrid’s Road on the edge of the town centre. Her handbag was found dumped 25 miles away in Newcastle.

Officers said they received hundreds of calls offering help from around the country. Last month, Miss Richardson’s family paid tribute to her and described her death as a “devastating loss”.

Jarman was yesterday being held in custody.