Woman held over Bill Davis' murder

Detectives probing the killing of decorated war veteran Bill Davis are today quizzing a 35-year-old woman on suspicion of his murder.

The suspect, from Willenhall, is being held at a local police station after she was detained last night.

Residents who may have witnessed the killer flee the murder scene were today being urged by police to come forward.

Mr Davis' body was discovered at his home in Hobley Street, Willenhall, on Sunday. Det Supt Richard Baker, from Force CID, said it was possible the murderer would have been "heavily bloodstained" at that time.

He appealed for anyone who may have seen a friend, neighbour or associate try to hide or wash bloodstained clothing to come forward.

"It might be the missing piece that allows us to track down the offender and bring them to justice for this horrific crime," he said.

Det Supt Baker said there was no sign of a forced break-in at the home of Mr Davis, who served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War. He said nothing appeared to be stolen, although officers were today still searching the address. An item found next to Mr Davis' body has been submitted for forensic examination.

Mr Davis, who previously worked at Willenhall firms Josiah Parkes and Charles Perks, was last seen at 9am on Sunday in his front garden, and a neighbour took some lunch round to his house at around 3.15pm.

Neighbours became concerned that they could not rouse him at 6pm and found him collapsed. He had suffered serious head injuries.

The great-grandfather became a widower in 2006 when his wife Clara died.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.