New theories have been introduced into the investigation of a 51-year-old Suffolk murder case.
Following publication of an article looking back at the unsolved murder of Bernard Oliver in 1967, this paper received a number of potential new tips.
Until now, the location of the teenager’s murder has remained uncertain – but a local woman has come forward to insist she saw the 17-year-old alive in the Suffolk village where his body was found dismembered days later.
Bernard left the home he shared with his father and five siblings, in Muswell Hill, London, on January 6, 1967.
Ten days later, his body was discovered in two suitcases under a hedge in Tattingstone.
Still living near Ipswich and now in her 60s, the new potential witness came forward on the suggestion of her daughter.
“She told me I must say something,” said the woman, who asked to remain anonymous.
“I was 16 at the time and worked as a groom in Freston. One of my duties was to exercise the hunt horses.
“On this morning, I was out with two horses – riding one and leading the other.
“I came up the hill in Tattingstone. As I got to the White Horse, I saw a young man walking towards me – and he was carrying two suit cases.
“He was someone I had not seen before and his face was covered in freckles.
“In those days, you got to recognise all the locals and everyone would say ‘good morning’.
“A few days later, I saw his photograph in the paper and immediately thought ‘my god that’s the chap I saw’.
“I still think it was him. I always felt he must have been murdered close to the Tattingstone area and that someone else must have seen him.”
Another reader suggested a military link to one of the two suitcases in which Bernard’s body was found.
“The large light coloured suitcase resembles a military issue suitcase of the period. I was issued with one on my enlistment in 1969,” he said.
Although two main suspects have since died, Suffolk police continue to review lines of investigation. Last week, the constabulary said it was never too late for people to come forward with information.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here