Detectives investigating the death of Mary Logie in Leven say they now “strongly believe” she was murdered on the morning of Tuesday January 5.
The 82-year-old was found dead within her home in Green Gates at around 8.30pm that evening, and police confirmed they were dealing with a murder investigation the following day.
Mrs Logie was discovered with serious injuries, thought to have been caused by a rolling pin, and a dedicated team of officers have been following a number of lines of enquiry.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “My team has been carrying out enquiries in Leven and from our Major Incident Room at Kirkcaldy 24/7 since the murder investigation was launched.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure every piece of evidence is gathered, all enquiries are carried out comprehensively and we can give Mary’s family, friends and the local community answers to why this terrible event has occurred.
“As a result of this thorough inquiry, I now strongly believe that the murder was committed some time on the morning of Tuesday 5 January.
“She was last seen alive at 8am and so we are now focusing on the remainder of the morning.
“A great deal of activity has been taking place in and around Green Gates, and the ongoing assistance from the local community has been tremendous and vital in helping us develop our enquiries.
“I understand the concerns expressed by some local people and the media when they have asked for more explanation that we’ve been unable to give.
“Officers have spoken with various people in connection with this ongoing effort and we’re not at a stage where we can release much detail about the actions being carried out.
“We must always protect the integrity of the investigation and there is information, which has to be kept within the inquiry team.
“I want to give my personal assurance to the community that our investigation is thorough and officers are doing a tremendous amount of work to ensure Mary’s killer is brought to justice.”
Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale, who is the Local Area Commander for North East Fife, added that officers from across Scotland are assisting with the ongoing inquiry.
In addition, a mobile incident vehicle is now situated outside the 82-year-old’s home where members of the public are invited to speak with officers and raise any concerns they might have.
He said: “High visibility patrols have been undertaken in the Green Gates area since the murder was reported to police and this will continue for the foreseeable future.
“A crime of this type is extremely rare for Fife and I understand that people may have concerns. However, we welcome the opportunity to engage directly with members of the public and we’re taking steps to do this whenever we can, working with our community partners to ensure that anyone who is worried knows where to turn.”
Anyone who has any information in relation to the murder can contact police on 101 or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.