THE death of an 80-year-old woman in her home is being treated as murder by police.
Janet Methven was found dead in her Perthshire home on Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs Methven, who was known as Jenny, had suffered injuries on her head and body, but police say they have found no signs of forced entry into the cottage tin the village of Forteviot. There was also no sign of a robbery.
Tayside Police have now confirmed they are treating the woman’s death as murder.
Mrs Methven was found dead by her son David at the cottage they shared at Kildinny Farm at about 5.15pm on Monday.
An ambulance was called and paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Her son says he has been left “absolutely devastated” by his mother’s death.
He said: “As well as being a wonderful mother, she was an extremely generous person, someone who was a true friend to others and always willing to give her energies and time freely.
“‘I miss her desperately and would appeal to anyone who can assist Tayside Police with their enquiries to get in touch with them.
”I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents and others who have expressed their sympathies and sorrow at what has happened.
“Their kind words do offer some comfort and I am grateful for that.”
CCTV
Mrs Methven was last spoken with at about 10.30am on Monday when he had a conversation over the phone with a friend.
Police hope local businesses and individuals will be able to provide CCTV footage to help track the pensioner’s last movements.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall said the film could play an “invaluable role ” in working out what happened to Mrs Methven.
He said: “I appeal to householders and businesses in the Strathearn valley to call us if they have private CCTV systems.
“That includes Forteviot and Forgandenny locally, out to Perth, Auchterarder and Glenfarg. In fact all areas extending out to and around the A9 and M90. You can help us.
“Your cameras may have picked up vital information in respect of who was in the area on Monday and that could help our enquiries. It is vital that we capture this coverage now before it is lost to us: certain systems re-record over previous footage. Call us and we will come to you.
“CCTV could play an invaluable role in our investigation but clearly, given the geography of the area, this is a challenging task in itself.”
Police said there is speculation that Mrs Methven’s death is connected to a series of thefts, housebreakings and cold-calling incidents which have taken place in the area.
DCI Gall said: “We are acutely aware of these other crimes and the concerns that the communities have with regard to them. It is for the inquiry team to establish whether any connection exists but our initial enquiries have not revealed any signs of a forced entry or property being stolen from the cottage.
“Nevertheless, it is vital that we keep an open mind and resist ruling anything in or out of our enquiries.”
