DETECTIVES were today continuing to investigate several new names given to them as part of the hunt to find a Hampshire grandmother’s killer.

Officers say they have so far received 36 calls from members of the public offering potentially important new information.

The flurry of calls came in after police revealed major breakthroughs in the inquiry into the murder of Georgina Edmonds two years ago. Police now have the killer’s DNA and are also confident he has strong local connections and may live, have family or even work locally.

Meanwhile, a dedicated team of officers are continuing to man phones in the police control room in the hope of more vital information coming in.

The developments follow a high-profile day of action on the streets of Eastleigh and Boyatt Wood which saw more than 3,000 homes leafleted.

A community bus was also parked at a parade of shops in Boyatt Wood where local residents could stop and talk with officers.

Bludgeoned Mrs Edmonds, 77, was bludgeoned to death with a rolling pin in the kitchen of her Brambridge home on January 11, 2008.

She had been stabbed repeatedly about the top of her body in what police believe was her killer’s attempt to try to find out her cashcard PIN.

Detectives leading the inquiry now plan to take mouth swabs from more than 500 men to try and find a DNA match.

Detective Chief Inspector, Paul Baron, said: “We are very pleased that two years on people are still coming forward with information and are keen to help with the inquiry.

“I would urge anybody who either knows or suspects someone of being involved in this incident to please get in touch. All you have to do is pass on your information and we can do the rest of the work to ascertain whether or not they were involved in the incident.”

Anyone with information should contact the Oper-ation Columbian investigation team at Hulse Road on 101 or call Crimestop-pers on 0800 555 111. Or information can be emailed to operation.

columbian@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.