Murder probe continues after twist in hunt for Alethea Taylor

Detectives are continuing to question a man on suspicion of murdering 63-year-old Alethea Taylor, who went missing from her home near Ludlow nearly five months ago.

Officers arrested the man in his 60s yesterday morning and appear likely to hold him for another day while investigations continue.

Police cars and a forensic team have revisited the home of Mrs Taylor on Mortimer Drive in Orleton, near Ludlow.

West Mercia Police have confirmed Mrs Taylor, a former teacher, is still officially classed as missing and no remains have been discovered.

The number of police in Orleton has also been boosted to provide reassurances to local people said to be devastated by recent developments.

Sebastian Bowen, Herefordshire councillor for the Bircher ward which includes Orleton, said local people needed closure on the affair. He said:

"The feeling of local people is shock. It has left people very sad and confused.

"I think everyone in their hearts hoped Alethea would call one day and say 'I'm fine', but this looks unlikely now."

Mrs Taylor went missing from home on January 19 and no trace of the former teacher and popular local lady has been found.

She was last seen by her husband John, a funeral director, before he left for work at about 8.30am that day.

Hundreds of volunteers from the area helped the Longtown Mountain Rescue, search dogs, police, the force helicopter and the Severn Area

Rescue Association scour a huge area around Orleton in the weeks after Mrs Taylor's disappearance.

See also:

• Man held over Alethea Taylor murder