DNA gives clue to 15-year-old killing

DETECTIVES investigating the killing of a beauty consultant who was found dead in her bath 15 years ago have begun DNA testing on up to 300 people, after a breakthrough in forensic technology gave them a profile of their "prime suspect".

The cause of death for Cynthia Bolshaw, 50, was given as asphyxia. Among the people the police want to trace in connection with the case are more than 200 men named in her diaries. Evidence taken 9 October 1983 from the bungalow in Heswall, Wirral, where her body was found, has lain in a laboratory since then.But detectives hope that a recently recovered DNA profile may provide a major breakthrough in their hunt for her killer.

Meticulously kept diaries and address books containing details of more than 200 men were recovered from the house, but extensive interviews with former boyfriends failed to yield any clues.

Evidence showed that Mrs Bolshaw, who was divorced and a Christian Dior cosmetics adviser, drank sherry and brandy with a companion shortly before her death.

Superintendent Dave Smith, of Merseyside police, yesterdaytold a news conference at his force's headquarters that the DNA profile was a "significant" find. "Obviously, it is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle and the more pieces we put together, the more we can eliminate. As we eliminate people we should be able to get closer and closer to the killer."