Detectives investigating the murder of retired Bewdley schoolteacher Betty Yates have launched a new line of investigations surrounding a suspicious car following an appeal on Crimewatch last night.

Officers received a “handful” of calls after the case appeared on the BBC show.

Mrs Yates, aged 77, was found beaten and stabbed at her secluded cottage off Dowles Road on January 4.

West Mercia Police said the TV appeal had resulted in a small but “useful” number of calls.

Police said they were now looking to trace the driver of a car seen being driven erratically on Dowles Road on January 2 – the day officers believe Mrs Yates was killed.

The vehicle was travelling in the direction of Button Oak during the early evening and officers are looking at CCTV to try to get more information.

Officers also still want to hear from anyone who visited Mrs Yates at her cottage between December 28 and January 2.