The widow of murdered millionaire Tony Fetherston is hoping for a vital breakthrough to identify her husband's killer.

For the past eight months detectives have been hunting for the hooded burglar who gunned him down at their Caribbean holiday home.

And now new clues in the hunt for his lone killer could prove vital.

Margaret Fetherston said: "Hopefully, in the next few months we will be able to lay this terrible ghost to rest - for Tony's sake."

The couple had been out at their holiday home at St Kitts for just a few weeks when Mr Fetherston was killed with a single shot.

Retired businessman Mr Fetherston, 67, died almost instantaneously from a wound to the heart when the man fired when he was confronted by Mr Fetherston in the garden.

Mr Fetherston's family had close links with the Frinton and Walton area, especially among the yachting fraternity.

His family had a home in Frinton for many years and his parents also lived in Kirby.

He was a lifelong member of Walton and Frinton Yacht Club and was a former commodore and committee member.

Mrs Fetherston, 62, is convinced the identity of the killer is known.

She added: "Other people know who it is but the trouble is getting them to speak out because they are frightened."

And she said she was certain the same person had come to their home for money the previous year.

But without forensic proof nothing can be proved which was why the latest find could be invaluable.

The DNA sample which was discovered on a mask a few months ago - but it may not be the killer's.

Mr Fetherston, speaking from her home near Woodbridge in Suffolk, said: "I am just living in hope that the mask belong's to the killer."

The DNA sample has been sent to Barbados and hopefully will be examined by Scotland Yard, providing the two governments agree.

"I am awaiting the result with eagerness because the longer it goes on the worse it gets," she added.

The killer's mask is believed to have been cut from a pair of jeans.

Mrs Fetherston said: "He knew we were there because he saw the cars."

"It's unfortunate it is dragging on."

The Fetherston family had been going to St Kitts for 15 years.

Mr Fetherston said: "Normally you have nothing to fear - just enjoy your holiday."

The home is currently rented out but Mrs Fetherston says she will be returning. One good reason is her husband is buried there and she still has many friends there.

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