The detective leading the hunt for the brutal killer of Chelmsford pensioner Ron Cousins said on Wednesday that he was awaiting results of scientific testing, but still believed that someone locally knew the murderer.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Macey formed a hand-picked team earlier this year in an attempt to catch the killer.

Mr Cousins, 77, was stabbed and strangled at his Anchor Street home, and paint was poured over his body.

The killer also stuffed pages from the family Bible into the pensioner's mouth and left a knife -- not the Murder weapon -- on his chest.

Mr Cousins was murdered on April 15, 1994. The motive was not believed to be robbery, because detectives found £700 in the tiny mid-terraced house.

Det Chief Insp Macey said he was waiting for the results of DNA tests. "I believe someone locally knows the murderer," he said.

Psychological profiles have suggested that the killer could strike again.

Murder Squad detectives still need help. Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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