Northumbria: Police Name Suspect In Hammer Murder Of 77-Year-Old Woman

Detectives have named a man they are hunting after an elderly woman was beaten to death with a hammer in her own home.

Northumbria Police photo of murder victim …

Police in Northumbria are seeking Graeme Jarman over the death of 77-year-old Judith Richardson.

Jarman, aged 47, went missing from his home in Consett, County Durham, on August 17.

Det Chief Insp Paul Young said:”We have information which suggests that Mr Jarman might be able to assist with this investigation and we would like to speak to him without delay.”

Jarman is said to be a heavily-built man of average height. He has dark hair but may have recently shaved his head.

When last seen he was wearing blue jeans with a light blue polo shirt with dark cuffs and collar and carrying a dark jacket.

He was believed to have been seen in Stockton town centre on Saturday, but police say he could be anywhere in the north east.

DCI Young added: “I would ask anyone who sees someone matching this description to contact the police directly.

“They are advised not to approach him as we consider that he poses a risk to himself and others.”

Both the Durham and Cleveland forces are assisting in the search for Jarman.

Miss Richardson was found dead in her home in Hexham on Friday, August 19.

Her handbag was found that afternoon in a waste bin outside a charity shop in Newcastle.

:: Anyone with information is asked to ring the police on 0191 375 2176 or 03456 043 043 .