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£10,000 reward in hunt for Valerie Graves' killer £10,000 reward in hunt for Valerie Graves's killer
(about 3 hours later)
Detectives investigating the murder of a woman who was killed while house-sitting for friends are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer.Detectives investigating the murder of a woman who was killed while house-sitting for friends are offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer.
More than 200 people have been interviewed after Valerie Graves was found with serious head and facial injuries in a ground-floor bedroom at a waterside property in Smuggler's Lane, Bosham, near Chichester, West Sussex, on 30 December.More than 200 people have been interviewed after Valerie Graves was found with serious head and facial injuries in a ground-floor bedroom at a waterside property in Smuggler's Lane, Bosham, near Chichester, West Sussex, on 30 December.
Sussex police have also taken more than 100 statements as part of the investigation, but feel there may still be witnesses with important information who have yet to come forward.Sussex police have also taken more than 100 statements as part of the investigation, but feel there may still be witnesses with important information who have yet to come forward.
The 55-year-old artist was beaten to death as she house-sat with her mother, sister and her sister's partner while the owners holidayed abroad over Christmas.The 55-year-old artist was beaten to death as she house-sat with her mother, sister and her sister's partner while the owners holidayed abroad over Christmas.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder in January but was released on bail.A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder in January but was released on bail.
Police have previously released an image of a hammer which was found nearby and is believed to be the murder weapon.Police have previously released an image of a hammer which was found nearby and is believed to be the murder weapon.
They also received around 20 calls after a BBC Crimewatch appeal in January.They also received around 20 calls after a BBC Crimewatch appeal in January.
Detective Superintendent Nick May, from Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: "This was a savage attack, where a significant level of violence was used.Detective Superintendent Nick May, from Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: "This was a savage attack, where a significant level of violence was used.
"We know that a hammer, found nearby in Hoe Lane, was used by the offender and we are seeking the public's help to catch this person before they hurt someone else."We know that a hammer, found nearby in Hoe Lane, was used by the offender and we are seeking the public's help to catch this person before they hurt someone else.
"We particularly appeal to anyone who knows personally, has met professionally, or has a relationship with someone who is violent and who may have used, talked about or threatened violence with a hammer in the past."We particularly appeal to anyone who knows personally, has met professionally, or has a relationship with someone who is violent and who may have used, talked about or threatened violence with a hammer in the past.
"You may have your own concerns or suspicions about this person already, but for your own reasons have not yet come forward."You may have your own concerns or suspicions about this person already, but for your own reasons have not yet come forward.
"Let me reassure you that we can support you whatever your concerns, but this person must be caught.""Let me reassure you that we can support you whatever your concerns, but this person must be caught."
May also asked for anyone who was in the area of Smuggler's Lane, Hoe Lane or nearby on the afternoon of Sunday 29 December until 10am on Monday 30 December to come forward.May also asked for anyone who was in the area of Smuggler's Lane, Hoe Lane or nearby on the afternoon of Sunday 29 December until 10am on Monday 30 December to come forward.
He said: "If you saw anything suspicious or have noticed anyone acting strangely since, I urge you to contact us, no matter how incidental you may think your information to be – it could be a vital clue."He said: "If you saw anything suspicious or have noticed anyone acting strangely since, I urge you to contact us, no matter how incidental you may think your information to be – it could be a vital clue."
Sussex police are offering the reward of £10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.Sussex police are offering the reward of £10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.
May said they were keeping an open mind as to the motive for Graves' violent death. May said they were keeping an open mind as to the motive for the killing.
Chief Inspector Justin Burtenshaw, district policing commander for Chichester, said: "Some local residents are obviously concerned and we want to do all we can to reassure them.Chief Inspector Justin Burtenshaw, district policing commander for Chichester, said: "Some local residents are obviously concerned and we want to do all we can to reassure them.
"I have ensured that extra patrols continue in the area and the neighbourhood policing team is available in Bosham to speak to residents about their concerns."I have ensured that extra patrols continue in the area and the neighbourhood policing team is available in Bosham to speak to residents about their concerns.
"In addition to the extra patrols, there will be daily opportunities to speak to a local officer from 11am to 12 outside the Bosham Craft Centre in Bosham Lane and from 7pm to 8pm outside the Co-op store in Delling Lane.""In addition to the extra patrols, there will be daily opportunities to speak to a local officer from 11am to 12 outside the Bosham Craft Centre in Bosham Lane and from 7pm to 8pm outside the Co-op store in Delling Lane."
Anyone with information should ring 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Ensign, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.Anyone with information should ring 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Ensign, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.