A FRESH CCTV picture has been released by detectives of a man they urgently need to speak to as part of their investigation into the murder of Southampton pensioner Delia Hughes.

This latest image shows the man on Bridge Road in Woolston at approximately 8am on Saturday, August 18, the day the body of Mrs Hughes was discovered.

The man was later seen by an Atlantic Close resident leaving Atlantic Close and walking off in the direction towards Tasman Close at around 9.30am. Before that, CCTV cameras saw the same man in the general area of Atlantic Close and the Ocean Village complex from around 8.20am.

He is described as:

• White

• Aged 25-30 years old

• Slim build

• Approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall

• He was nimble and bouncy on his feet as he walked

• He was wearing a grey hooded jacket which was zipped at the front, faded blue jeans, white training shoes and had what appears to be a small black rucksack resting on his back.

Detective Superintendent Tony Harris said: “It is absolutely imperative that we identify and speak to this man as a matter of urgency. We have several sightings of him in the area at a critical time and believe that he could provide us with vital information. If this man identifies himself from this CCTV footage or if anyone can assist is in identifying him, we would ask that they contact us immediately.”

As the investigation continues, searches of four large ornamental lily ponds in Ocean Village were being carried out today as the investigation team seek for the murder weapon or any other clues that will lead them to identify the murderer. Anyone who can assist the investigation team is asked to contact Southampton Central police station on 101 or Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Anglian.