Detectives investigating the murders of cafe owner Ivy Davies and dress shop owner Norah Trott have been heartened by the response of residents in Westcliff and Rochford.
Police reopened ten unsolved Essex murder cases in July and out of the 15 crucial calls received, 11 referred to the murder of Ivy Davies from Westcliff in 1975 and the rape and murder of Norah Trott in Rochford in 1978.
Some of the information provided was very specific and is in the process of being followed up.
Investigative review officer Ray Newman said: "We are heartened by this response because it confirms that there are people out there who know what happened in some of these cases and who had the presence of mind to pick up the telephone and pass that information on."
However, in some instances callers only shared some of what they knew and the review team is urging them to make further contact.
Ivy Davies was found battered to death in a flat in Holland Road, Westcliff, on February 5 1975.
The 48-year-old had suffered appalling head injuries and also had a ligature around her neck.
Norah Trott, 63, was found nearly naked and badly beaten up in her lock-up garage in Rochford on November 6 1978. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Published Friday August 20, 2004
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