Jenny Methven murder: CCTV could be 'vital' to inquiry
Detectives investigating the murder of an 80-year-old woman in her isolated Perthshire cottage have said private CCTV footage could hold vital clues.
Jenny Methven was found dead by her son David at their home near Forteviot at about 17:15 on Monday.
Tayside Police have now launched a murder inquiry into her death.
The force has appealed to anyone with CCTV - in the local area and out to Perth, Glenfarg and Auchterarder - to contact them immediately.
A post-mortem examination in Dundee on Wednesday found Mrs Methven had died after suffering injuries to her head and body.
David Methven said he had been "absolutely devastated" by the death of his mother and thanked the local community for their support.
"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," he said.
''I miss her desperately and would appeal to anyone who can assist Tayside Police with their enquiries to get in touch with them."
Mrs Methven's home, Kildinny Cottage, is in a very rural area, which is making it difficult for detectives to find out who was nearby at the time of her death.
But Det Ch Insp Colin Gall, who is leading the investigation, said it was possible private CCTV footage had picked up "invaluable" information.
''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," he said.
"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.''
A major police inquiry was launched after the discovery of the body, with forensic officers carrying out a painstaking search of the house and its grounds, which are on the B935 about a mile east of Forteviot.
Tayside Police said Mrs Methven was "liked and respected" in the local community and could often be seen wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket while walking her two-year-old spaniel.
Detectives are now trying to piece together her last known movements and said they were hopeful drivers or walkers who were between Bridge of Earn and Dunning may have seen her in the hours before her death.
She was seen at about 08:45 on Monday walking her dog and last heard from at 10:30, when someone spoke to her on the phone.
DCI Gall said there had been speculation that Mrs Methven's death could be connected to other recent crimes in the area, including thefts, break-ins and bogus callers.
The officer added: "'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 inquiries 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 inquiries.''