Man, 92, charged with rape and murder of woman in 1967

A 92-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of the rape and murder of a woman in Bristol in 1967 has been charged.

Police have named Ryland Headley, of Clarence Road, Ipswich, after arresting him earlier this week.

This came after a forensic review of the case which began last year, police said.

He was charged overnight and will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court via video link on Wednesday.

Louisa Dunne, 75, was found dead by a neighbour in her home in the Easton area of Bristol on 28 June 1967.

She had been strangled and raped.

Detective Inspector Dave Marchant said: “This development marks a hugely significant moment in this investigation.

“Now criminal proceedings are under way it’s important to stress the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

“Any speculation or misinformation on the circumstances of this case has the potential to prejudice these ongoing proceedings.

“We’ve updated Louisa’s family about this charging decision and a specialist liaison officer will continue to support them in the coming days, weeks and months.”

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Avon and Somerset Police said the murder is the oldest cold case on its books – and this is the first time in the force’s history an arrest has been made almost 60 years after a crime.

Suffolk Constabulary supported the investigation and there will be further police activity in the Ipswich area moving forward, DI Marchant previously said.