Mystery calls over farmhouse murder

A mysterious caller could hold vital clues to the murder of a wealthy scientist's wife found naked and handcuffed at a secluded farmhouse a year ago.

The anonymous man has twice telephoned police hunting the killer of Janet Brown, 51, who was beaten to death at Hall Farm, in Radnage, Buckinghamshire.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Michael Short, who is heading the inquiry, appealed for the man to contact police again. Det Supt Short said: "I would ask that person to contact us. What he is telling us makes sense. It's really important that we speak to him."

It was unlikely that the calls were hoaxes and their tone and content suggested that the caller himself believed the information he gave was of significance.

"The caller seems genuine. The information seems correct," Det Supt Short added. The calls did not appear to be from the killer himself, nor did they identify the killer.

The first was made to the control room at Aylesbury police station at 9.10pm on 3 February. The second, almost a repeat of the first call, was left on an answerphone at Maidenhead police station on 27 February.

Thursday will be one year to the day since the murder. Mrs Brown was alone at home while her husband, Dr Graham Brown, 53, worked in Switzerland. The couple's three children, Zara, 22, Roxanne, 17 and Benedict, 21, were also away.