DETECTIVES hunting the killer of Sandiway mum Julia Webb have appealed to Winsford people for help with their inquiries.

Mrs Webb, who was 52, was battered to death as she walked her dog Rosie near woods on Kennel Lane on July 22.

This week, police renewed their call for information on a man seen near the scene of the crime who may have been heading for Winsford.

The man, who was red-faced and out of breath, was seen running across Dalefords Lane, possibly in the direction of Sherratt's Rough, another nearby wood.

Police believe he may have had an injury to his face and a rag wrapped round his hand.

He was seen at around 3.50pm.

Investigating officer DI Phil Jones said: "We have had no other information about this man since our appeal was first launched.

"It is becoming more vital that we eliminate him from our enquiries.

"He may have nothing at all to do with the case, but the longer he goes unidentified, obviously the more significant we will assume his presence to be."

The man is described as white, in his early 20s.

He was wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt, which was buttoned up the front, and jeans. His fair hair was cropped short.

Police believe that if he was making for Sherratt's Rough, he may have been heading towards the Whitegate Way, and Winsford.

"There is a distinct possibility that he was heading for Winsford," said DI Jones.

"The woods near there are full of paths and short-cuts through to Whitegate and Winsford, and so we have by no means ruled out the possibility."

Therefore our appeal extends as much to anyone in Winsford who may have seen this man as to people in Northwich."

Although DCI Peter Rigby, in charge of the case, has called the red-faced man "our strongest line of enquiry", other investigations are continuing.

Items found at the scene are still being tested by forensics experts.

But tests on Rosie's collar and chain, and some items of clothing, have not revealed any clues after testing.

And police are still hunting for the murder weapon, which they think was some kind of blunt instrument.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who finds anything in their garden or fields that they are not happy with to contact us," said DI Jones.

"They may not think it's suspicious. It may not look the way they think a murder weapon should look.

"But the best thing to do is to leave it alone and ring the incident room."

Police have also appealed for information from local anglers, who may have been fishing at Petty Pool or Nunsmere on the day of the murder.

If you think you know the red-faced man, or have any information about the murder, ring the incident room at Northwich station on 01244 613298.

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