POLICE have arrested a 92-year-old man on suspicion of rape and murder after a woman was found strangled to death 57 years ago.
Louisa Dunne was discovered at her home in Easton, Bristol, by a neighbour on June 28, 1967.
The 75-year-old had been raped, with her cause of death given as strangulation and asphyxiation.
Avon and Somerset Police today confirmed a 92-year-old man had been arrested over the cold case horror.
The suspect, from Ipswich in Suffolk, is currently being quizzed in custody on suspicion of murder and rape.
Officers said the arrest came following a “significant development in the investigation“.
The force had re-examined the case in 2023 and reviewed further forensic evidence before making the arrest.
Louisa’s family has been informed of the development and are being supported by specialist officers.
The horror unfolded in 1967 when Louisa’s neighbour noticed a window slightly open at the home she lived in alone.
When they went to investigate, they discovered the pensioner had been raped and strangled in the living room.
A huge investigation was launched as officers tried to piece together Louisa’s final movements.
They discovered she had gone to see her friend Alice at her nearby home earlier that evening.
The pair shared dessert together before twice-widowed Louise headed back home at around 7.30pm.
She was last seen standing on her doorstep at 10.30pm, which locals said was unusual for the OAP.
Officers believed the killer had broken in between 11.30pm and 4am, but said there was no sign of a struggle at her home.
Police found a palm print left near the open window but the horrific case eventually went cold.
DI Dave Marchant said: “This is an extremely significant moment in an appalling and distressing case which has remained unsolved for almost six decades.
“We recognise this will also come as a shock to the community in Easton. While this tragic incident happened a long time ago, there will be people who remember what happened and may have had a connection with Louisa through family or friends.
“The Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out patrols of the area, so please speak to an officer if you have any worries or concerns.
“As this investigation is at a critical phase and to protect the integrity of any future criminal proceedings, we won’t be able to confirm the full details, but we are absolutely committed to continue carrying out a thorough investigation to try and bring Louisa’s relatives the answers they’ve waited a lifetime for.”
