Detectives hunting for the murderer of Clacton widow Jean Dicker were today sifting through a mountain of information gathered from residents on the estate where she lived.

Det Supt Gareth Wilson, who is leading the major investigation team, said they stopped more than 200 cars in a special operation yesterday which went on until midnight.

They have also spoken to many others who live on the Birds estate in Great Clacton.

"We have been extremely pleased with the response we have had from everyone down there," he said.

"A lot of information has been gathered as a result and now we have to sift through that and see if it gives us any new lines of inquiry."

Officers stopped drivers in Craigfield Avenue where the 58-year-old former traffic warden lived.

Mr Wilson added: "People have been very helpful. I would personally like to thank them for their co-operation and understanding. I am sure they want to see Jean's killer caught just as much as we do."

Mr Dicker's body was discovered in the hallway of her bungalow just before 11.30pm last Wednesday by her son, Steve, who also lived at the address.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she died of head injuries.

Earlier this week, officers carried out a search around the property in the hopes of finding a murder weapon but without success.

Anyone who can help in the murder inquiry should contact Clacton police on 01255 221312

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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