New police appeal over Melsonby postmistress murder

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Police investigating the murder of a postmistress have renewed their appeal for villagers to come forward.

Diana Garbutt, 40, was killed in the upstairs living area of the shop and post office in Melsonby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday morning.

Mrs Garbutt's husband Robin told police he found her after an armed robbery.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in the village between 0800 and 0900 GMT on Tuesday, particularly those in the Moor Road or St James' Close area.

Detectives have already appealed for anyone who went to the post office between 0400 and 0900 GMT on Tuesday to come forward, and have said they want to trace the owner or driver of a white transit or box van which was parked outside at this time.

Residents thanked

A spokeswoman said: "Even if you think you don't have any information of any significance please still contact us, as the smallest piece of information could help the investigation.

"Officers would like to thank the residents of Melsonby for their continued support and understanding following the events of last Tuesday."

Searches of the village were continuing on Monday.

Police said Mr Garbutt was working in the downstairs shop from 0430 GMT on Tuesday when the robber entered from the living quarters at about 0830 GMT and stole cash from the safe before fleeing.

The robber has been described as 5ft 11in (1.7m) to 6ft (1.8m) tall. He was wearing a black balaclava, a dark blue, long-sleeved T-shirt and dark blue or black jeans.