NEW DNA technology could help to catch the brutal killer of Widnes mum Vera Anderson, the World can exclusively reveal this week.

Detectives are convinced it is only a matter of time before one of the biggest murder inquiries in Cheshire is solved.

Forensic experts now have many more sophisticated tools at their fingertips, which were not available back in 1991.

It is exactly 10 years ago this week, since the bloodstained body of Vera, 42, was found, slumped in the front seat of her blue Ford Cortina.

She had been strangled and her throat cut.

Yet, despite a massive investigation, including 6,500 interviews and a feature on BBC TV's Crimewatch, no motive has been found.

Crime scientists are confident vital clues contained in the wealth of material kept from the murder inquiry will eventually trap the culprit.

Det Sgt John Iley, said: "Massive progress has been made in DNA. Several items were seized. We have still got those to work with.

"This murder inquiry is very much open. We remain hopeful. We never close it until we find the person responsible.

"We would welcome information anybody might have in relation to the killing of Vera.

"It might just be the little piece of the jigsaw we need."

This week, detectives made specific appeals to the public for information.

1)They are anxious to trace the origin of a bloodstained glove found at the murder scene, together with a length of cord similar to window sash cord. Forensic examination confirmed the glove had been in contact with Vera, and police believe the killer left it behind. The glove was a natural coloured cotton glove, labelled on the bottom corner with the manufacturer's name Minette'.

2) A woman matching Vera's description was last seen at the Crown and Cushion pub, Warrington Road, Penketh, with a man, at around 10.30pm on Saturday, August 24, 1991, the night of the murder. He is described as white, with mousy coloured short hair, neat and wispy. He had a mousy coloured moustache, cut neatly into the corners of his mouth. He was in his late 30's/early 40's, with a thin face, to the extent that his temples appeared sunken. He was slim and wearing a fawn coloured jacket. Despite asking people in the pub at the time to come forward, detectives have never managed to identify this couple. They cannot rule out the possibility that Vera was having a last drink, possibly with her murderer.

3)As the Tannery complex was frequented by soft drug users, a patrolling officer checked the site at 10.45pm on the evening of her murder. Vera's car was not there at that time. Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who may be able to establish her whereabouts, and that of her car, between the time she left home at 10.10pm and 3.18am the next morning, when her body was discovered. The registration of her blue ford cortina was PCX 38X.

A £30,000 reward has been offered to help catch Vera's killer.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 01925-652222 or call crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800-555 111.

BY BARBARA JORDAN