Detectives widen hunt for murder weapon

The body of Jenny Methven was discovered by her son at the farm cottage they shared in Forteviot, Perthshire, at about 5.15pm on February 20.

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.

Tayside Police said Mrs Methven was attacked in the kitchen, leaving her with fatal injuries to her head and body.

Detectives have extended their search area around the village to try to find the murder weapon.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall said: “Police search advisers have joined our search-trained officers with a view to locating any evidence that could assist us.

“We are looking for the weapon that was used to kill Mrs Methven. We know that it is a blunt object rather than any sharp or bladed instrument.

“To this end we would ask people, perhaps if they are out and about walking the dog, cycling or exercising, to look out for anything that might be out of place.

“It’s possible they might even spot something that appears bloodstained. If they have any suspicions whatsoever, they should call us.”

Mrs Methven was seen out walking her spaniel dog near her home just before 9am on Monday last week.

Police want to trace two vans that were seen about 500 yards east of Mrs Methven’s cottage at about 10.15am that day on what is described locally as the “bad bend” on the Forteviot road travelling from Forgandenny.

One van had stopped on the roadside. It had LDV written on its right side near the bottom. Another vehicle, white, was travelling in the opposite direction at the time. It had Draincure written on it.