LATE night bus passengers might hold vital information that could catch the killer of Capel pensioner Joan Albert.Suffolk police are appealing for anyone travelling on a late night bus from Ipswich to Colchester, through Capel St Mary to get in touch with them.

By Jessica Nicholls

LATE night bus passengers might hold vital information that could catch the killer of Capel pensioner Joan Albert.

Suffolk police are appealing for anyone travelling on a late night bus from Ipswich to Colchester, through Capel St Mary to get in touch with them.

The 79-year-old was found dead in the hall of her Boydlands home at around 10am on Sunday, December 16.

She died as a result of multiple stab wounds, although it has not yet been revealed exactly what weapon was used.

More than two weeks after the attack, detectives are still stringing together information about that night and are anxious for anyone who might know any thing to come forward.

They were originally hoping a group of line dancers using the community hall near Mrs Albert's home may hold information and were calling for them to come forward.

Now they are trying to trace anyone travelling on the bus operated by Carters Coach Services that took passengers back to Colchester just before midnight on Saturday, December 15.

The bus left the Old Cattle Market in Ipswich at 11.35pm and travelled through Capel stopping near the White Horse pub in the village at 11.55pm.

It is believed that there were between 15 and 20 people on the bus as it travelled through Capel.

More than 20 officers have been drafted in to work on the murder which shocked the whole village and has left many fearing for their safety.

Once a place where residents felt safe, doors are now being bolted and paper boys and girls are too afraid to go alone along the labyrinth of footpaths that connect the estate.

Mrs Albert had been plagued by youngsters earlier in the year and had been so frightened that she put up cameras outside her front door in a bid to catch those responsible.

However there were signs of a forced entry through the back door indicating that Mrs Albert may have been the victim of a bungled burglary.

A murder incident room has been set up to investigate the frenzied attack and more than 150 calls have been received.

Det Supt Roy Lambert, who is leading the investigation, said that anyone on the bus might be able to help them.

He said: "We are anxious to trace all these passengers as they could have seen something from the bus as it travelled through the village.

"Even if they think they have nothing significant to tell us, I would say to them to let us be the judge of that.

"Please come forward and contact the incident room."

The Evening Star has offered a £5,000 reward for anyone that can provide information directly leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01473 613777 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.