Busker sought after brutal killing

A nationwide alert was launched yesterday for a middle-aged busker wanted by police for the brutal killing of an 88-year-old woman.

Scotland Yard warned that Michael Shearon, 48, was considered to be dangerous and should not be approached. He is believed to have fled to Scotland after the murder of Mrs Eileen Maskall eight days ago in east London. She was beaten, stabbed and sexually assaulted in her house.

Detectives said Mr Shearon, who also uses the name Michael Alexander, lived alone nearby. A police spokesman said: "He may be living rough and busking; he plays the guitar." Mr Shearon has a heart tattooed on his right breast, greying brown hair and a soft Scottish accent. PA