Post office murder probe very complex, say police

Detectives and forensic specialists have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and searches of the Village Shop and Post Office in Melsonby, North Yorkshire, where the body of Mrs Garbutt was discovered.

Mrs Garbutt, 40, was found dead in the upstairs living quarters of the post office in the village, north of Richmond, two weeks ago.

Her husband Robin, 44, told police he discovered his wife's body after an armed raider confronted him in the store.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Raw, who is leading the inquiry, said: "The investigation is very complex and it will take some time to complete all avenues of investigation.

"Searches have been ongoing since Good Friday and we have been continuing with house-to-house inquiries.

"We again express our thanks to the residents of Melsonby for their patience and understanding."

Last week specialist officers from West Yorkshire Police's underwater team scoured a beck and gulleys for any evidence that might have been discarded.

Officers also carried out an early morning census of traffic, stopping cars travelling into and out of the village, exactly a week after Mrs Garbutt was found dead.

Mr Garbutt has told police the masked raider entered the shop shortly after 8.30am and said "We've got your wife" before demanding cash from the safe.

The robber left with a substantial amount of cash in a holdall and Mr Garbutt went upstairs, where he found his wife lying in a pool of blood.

She was later confirmed to have died from severe head injuries although police have confirmed she had not been shot.

The village business was also targeted by armed robbers in March last year when two men, one brandishing what appeared to be a handgun, threatened staff and escaped with stamps and a large amount of cash.

The tight-knit community of Melsonby has been rocked by Mrs Garbutt's death.