Three released in murder inquiry

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Detectives investigating the murder of a 77-year-old woman have released three men without charge but given more time to question a fourth.

Georgina Edmonds' body was found by her son, Harry, at the house in Kiln Lane, Otterbourne, Hampshire, on Friday. She had died from head injuries.

Three of four men arrested at the nearby Elderfield House hostel for ex-offenders have been released.

Police have been granted a further 30 hours to quiz the fourth, aged 37.

Hampshire Constabulary have also launched a poster appeal to find any potential witnesses and officers are extending their house-to-house enquiries in Otterbourne and Eastleigh.

Forensic examinations

Det Ch Insp Paul Barton, said: "A number of lines of enquiry are being pursued and forensic examinations are taking place.

"I would like to repeat my appeal to anyone who may have information.

"In particular we would like dog walkers, joggers, ramblers and anyone who knew Mrs Edmonds to contact us.

"Similarly we'd like to speak to anyone who used public transport in that area who may have seen anything suspicious."

The hostel where the arrests were made is run by Christian charity, The Langley House Trust.

Residents at the hostel are believed to have their own keys and are not checked in at night.

Closure call

In a previous case serial sex attacker Anthony Rice was released on life licence to Elderfield and was living there when he killed Naomi Bryant in August 2005.

Scottish-born Rice was 49 when he stabbed the 40-year-old mother nine months after being freed from a 16-year jail term for sex attacks.

He was jailed for a minimum of 25 years for her murder in October 2005.

Winchester MP Mark Oaten has called for the closure of Elderfield, along with a number of residents, although he emphasised the inquiry was in its early stages.

"I don't wish to make a knee-jerk reaction, but as the local representative for the community I have to put safety first," he said on Monday.