A mystery caller to Crimestoppers could hold the key to identifying the murderer of a Southend cafe owner 29 years ago, police said today.
The daughter of Ivy Davies today begged the caller to get back in touch because they may hold vital information leading to the killer.
The caller rang in at 12.38pm yesterday and gave the anonymous hotline some information which detectives consider could be vital to cracking the case.
Ivy Davies was found battered to death in her flat in Holland Road on February 5 1975.
The 48-year-old who ran the Orange Tree cafe on Westcliff seafront had suffered appalling head injuries.
Today the daughter of the victim, Ivy Slark, made an emotional plea for the person to ring back.
Miss Slark, 53, from St Mark's Field, Rochford, said: "Please, please, please give Crimestoppers a call. Even if you think the information is not that useful please call."
Investigating officer Ray Newman, said: "The person who called Crimestoppers yesterday lunchtime at around 12.30pm clearly has some very valuable information."
The brutal murder had no apparent motive. There was no sign of a break in and no obvious attempt to steal anything from her flat.
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the investigative review team on 01245 457287 or 07970 939544. A reward of £5,000 is being offered.
Published Friday August 13, 2004
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