Man, 92, arrested on suspicion of rape and murder in one of Britain’s longest-running cold cases

A 92-year-old man has been arrested in connection with one of Britain’s longest-running unsolved murders, following a major breakthrough in a 57-year-old cold case.

The suspect, from Ipswich, was taken into custody by Avon and Somerset Police on suspicion of the rape and murder of Louisa Dunne in Bristol in 1967.

The arrest comes after a significant development in the investigation, which stemmed from a case review conducted in 2023.

Dunne, who was 75-year-old and also known as Louise, was discovered dead in her home on Britannia Road in the Easton area of Bristol on Wednesday, June 28, 1967.

A neighbour made the grim discovery at the property.

The cause of death was determined to be strangulation and asphyxiation, and investigators confirmed she had also been raped.

The breakthrough in the case came after detectives conducted new forensic testing of items related to the investigation.

The development represents a significant milestone in the cold case, which had remained unsolved for nearly six decades.

Detective Inspector Dave Marchant called it “an extremely significant moment in an appalling and distressing case which has remained unsolved for almost six decades.”

He confirmed that Dunne’s next of kin had been informed and would receive support from specialist family liaison officers.

“We are absolutely committed to continue carrying out a thorough investigation to try and bring Louisa’s relatives the answers they’ve waited a lifetime for,” DI Marchant added.

Police activity is currently ongoing in the Ipswich area, with Avon and Somerset Police working alongside colleagues from Suffolk Police.

Officers have acknowledged that while the incident occurred decades ago, there may still be community members who remember Dunne or had connections to her through family or friends.