Police Launch Manhunt After Woman's Murder

Police are searching for a man following the discovery of a woman's body at her home in Worcester.

Neighbours alerted them after Jacqueline Harrison, 47, had not been seen for days.

Officers from the West Mercia force launched a murder investigation after they found her body last Thursday at her address in Gresham Road.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had been assaulted.

"We are keen to trace 51-year-old William Cummins who knew Jacqueline Harrison," said Detective Inspector Gerry Smith.

"We know he has recently been in the Kent and Dorset areas of the country and we want the public to help us trace this man.

"If you see Mr Cummins do not approach him but dial 999 as soon as possible. We have officers in the Weymouth area of Dorset making enquiries.

"We are also very interested to speak to anyone who saw Jacqueline in the last week of March or first week of April.

"If you knew Jacqueline or have any information which you think could help the police investigation then please come forward and speak to detectives at Worcester by dialling 101."

Police described Mr Cummins as white, with brown eyes and short brown hair.

Officers say he is 5ft 6 inches tall and may be untidy in appearance.

He has lived in the Sparkhill and Sparkbrook areas of Birmingham but has been visiting the Kent and Weymouth areas to try to trace a family member.