A 92-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and rape following the tragic case of Louisa Dunne, whose violent death has haunted Bristol for nearly six decades. This significant development stems from a renewed investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, which began last year to reinvestigate Dunne's case, the longest unsolved murder case within their jurisdiction.
Louisa Dunne, 75 at the time of her death, was discovered by a neighbor inside her home on Britannia Road, Easton, on June 28, 1967. Disturbingly, her body showed signs of strangulation and asphyxia, and it was confirmed she had also been raped. Detective Inspector Dave Marchant of Avon and Somerset Police expressed the sentiment shared by many: “This is an extremely significant moment in an appalling and distressing case which has remained unsolved for almost six decades.”
The police report clarifies the man arrested is from the Ipswich area, Suffolk, and was apprehended during a police operation conducted on the morning of November 19, 2024. The arrest follows the forensic review of relevant case items, which was part of the extensive investigation launched last year.
After the wave of attention garnered by the case over the years, police finally managed to achieve relevant breakthroughs, thanks to the close scrutiny of evidence. The tragic nature of Dunne's murder sparked several previous investigations and media appeals, as officers struggled to find any leads on the then-unknown perpetrator.
Marchant recalled how this recent development would undoubtedly resonate within both the Easton community and Dunne's family. He conveyed compassion for those affected, recognizing how traumatic this case has remained for many: “We recognize this will also come as a shock to the community in Easton. While this tragic incident happened many years ago, there will be people who either recall the murder or have connections to Ms. Dunne’s family.”
Authorities have since reached out to Dunne's next of kin, providing them with updates and dedicated support to navigate this new chapter. “Specialist family liaison officers will now be supporting them — to keep them updated on the progress of our investigation but also to access any specialist support they may need,” Marchant continued.
The public is encouraged to engage with local police officers who have increased their presence to address any worries or concerns arising from this shocking development. Further police activity will also be noticeable within the Ipswich area as the investigation continues to unravel more details about this long-unsolved question of justice.
Dunne had experienced divorce earlier in life, previously married to both a local politician and later to a night watchman, both having passed away before her death. Friends recalled her warmth and spirit, with one friend, Alice Clarke, reminiscing about their last time together: “We had a bit of custard and stewed gooseberry. When she left she said, as she always did: ‘Good night. God bless. I don’t know when I’ll be seeing thee.’”
Detective Inspector Marchant's reflection on this case serves as both reminder and hope, encapsulating the sentiments shared by many who have long awaited closure for Dunne's suffering: “We’re absolutely committed to continuing our thorough investigation to try and bring Louisa’s relatives the answers they’ve waited a lifetime for.” With the police now pushing forward, many are left to ponder whether this arrest will illuminate the dark shadow cast over Dunne's legacy and finally allow her loved ones the peace they've long desired.
