25 August 2011 Last updated at 07:43 ET

Judith Richardson murder: Hexham police appeal

Judith Richardson had suffered a "brutal attack"

Detectives investigating the death of a Northumberland pensioner have released a photo of the dumped handbag which led to the discovery of her body.

Police started a murder inquiry when Judith Richardson's body was found at her home in Hexham after suffering what they described as a "brutal attack" .

The 77-year-old's bag was found in a Newcastle bin and when officers went to return it they found her dead.

A man aged 84 and woman aged 78 have been arrested and bailed.

The bag was found by a member of the public in a bin outside the Mind charity shop on Clayton Street, in Newcastle city centre, on Friday.

It led Northumbria Police officers to her home in St Wilfrid's Road, Hexham, where the body of Miss Richardson was found in the hallway.

A post-mortem examination revealed she died from head injuries.

The bag was found in a bin in Newcastle city centre

Police found a hammer they believe had been used to attack Miss Richardson. It has been sent for forensic testing.

Det Ch Insp Paul Young said they believed the handbag had been left in the bin between 13:00 BST and 16:30 BST on Friday.

He said: "It has now been sent away for forensic examination.

"We hope these details will help trigger some memories and generate more information from the public.

"The public response has been vital so far and we urge anyone who can provide information to get in touch. No detail is insignificant to us at this time."