NEW DNA technology could help to catch the brutal killer of Widnes mum Vera Anderson, the World can exclusively reveal.

Detectives are confident forensic scientists could help them to solve one of the biggest murder inquiries in Cheshire.

It is exactly 11 years ago this week, since the blood-stained body of mother-of-two Vera, of Hadfield Close, Halton View, was discovered.

She was found slumped in the front seat of her car, in an alleyway, off Tannery Lane, Penketh.

Strangled

In a violent struggle, she had been strangled and her throat slashed.

Yet, despite a massive investigation, including 6,500 interviews and TV coverage on BBC's Crimewatch, detectives still have no idea why she was killed.

She had not been raped, robbed or sexually assaulted - her bank account and lifestyle showed no sign of wealth.

The murder inquiry is now being reviewed, following new developments in forensic science

Warrington crime manager, Det Chief Insp Richard Strachan, said: "We can detect things now which were simply undetectable 11 years ago. Things have really moved on.

"We are reviewing what we've got forensically. We've still got the vast majority of exhibits.

"It is still a live case. We are hoping to re submit some items for examination."

Some new leads came in last year, he said, after a £30,000 reward was offered.

"We did follow up calls," said Det Chief Insp Strachan.

"We had some interesting lines of inquiry. Nothing led to a significant development but could prove useful if we have some new forensic information."

He made a fresh appeal for information. A £30,000 reward still stands.

Det Chief Insp Strachan, said: "Any information anyone has, even at this late stage, could link in with new evidence from forensic tests. They may consider it irrelevant but it could be the crucial piece of the jigsaw we need."

Anyone with information can call 01925-652222.

Vera's last movements

VERA dashed out of her home in Hadfield Close, Halton View at 10.10pm on Saturday, August 24, 1991 after receiving a mystery phone call.

She left her seven-year-old son with a neighbour, saying she would only be 10 minutes.

Five hours later, she was dead. A woman matching Vera's description was seen at the Crown and Cushion pub, Warrington Road, Penketh, with a man, at around 10.30pm on the night she was murdered.

He is described as white, with mousy coloured short hair, neat and wispy. He had a mousy coloured moustache, cut into the corners of his mouth.

He was in his late 30s/early 40s, with a thin face, to the extent that his temples appeared sunken.

He was slim and was wearing a fawn coloured jacket.

Despite asking people in the pub at the time to come forward, detectives have never managed to identify this couple. They cannot rule out the possibility that Vera was having a last drink, possibly with her murderer.

Anxious

Detectives are anxious to trace the origin of a bloodstained glove found at the murder scene, together with a length of cord, similar to window sash cord. It was a natural cotton glove, labelled on the bottom corner with the manufacturer's name 'Minette'.