POLICE are appealing for information to help solve the horrific murder case of a dog walker butchered 30 years ago.

Helen Fleet, aged 66, was beaten, strangled and stabbed as she walked her two pets in a Somerset wood on Saturday, March 28, 1987.

No-one has ever been charged with the crime, but detectives now hope someone will come forward with vital evidence to help catch the killer.

The body of Mrs Fleet, who lived with her sister in Osborne Road, Weston-super-Mare, was found by another dog walker in Worlebury Woods, near the town, sparking a major police investigation.

Det Sgt Pete Frake, from Avon and Somerset's Major Crime Review Team, said: “It’s now 30 years since the horrific murder of Helen Fleet.

“Helen was found beaten, strangled and stabbed in Worlebury Woods near Weston-super-Mare at around 12.40pm on Saturday, March 28, 1987.

“She had driven to the woods that morning in her blue Datsun to take her dogs for a walk and was last seen alive at 10.50am in Worlebury Hill Road.

“Despite a major police investigation at the time in which thousands of people were interviewed and hundreds of statements taken, a BBC Crimewatch appeal, as well as further reviews of evidence more recently, no-one has ever been charged in connection with Helen’s murder.

“As with all unsolved murders in Avon and Somerset, this case remains open and while there are currently no new lines of enquiry, we believe the key to unlocking this case may lie in the local community.

“Loyalties and relationships can change over the years, which can result in people being more willing to tell us what they know, or share with us any suspicions they may have.

“Helen’s friends and relatives have been waiting for 30 years to see justice done which is a heavy and unimaginable burden to bear.

“If you know anything about Helen’s murder, I would urge you to come forward now.”

If you can help, call 101 and ask for the Major Crime Review Team, or contact Avon and Somerset Police via the force website.