Police have released an image of a hammer they believe was used to kill Valerie Graves.

They have also appealed for people who work in the mental health service to think back.

They want people to remember if anyone they have worked with has talked about causing harm to comeone with a hammer. 

The hammer was found in Bosham, near Chichester, by the search team working on the murder inquiry.

Miss Graves was discovered dead in a ground-floor bedroom on the morning of Monday, December 30, at the house in Smugglers Lane she was looking after with three other members of her family, while the owners were away.

She died from significant head and facial injuries.

Detective Superintendent Nick May from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "We need to know the origins of this hammer. Do you recognise it?

"We need people to check if they have lost such a hammer or had one stolen in the period leading up to the murder.

"We would also ask police officers, prison staff, probation officers and professionals who work in mental health, if they have dealt with anyone who has talked about causing someone harm with a hammer, to let us know.

"The hammer is about 30cm in length. It has a distinctive red and black handle and is embossed with the words Forge Steel with a picture of an outline of an anvil.

"If so we would like to hear from you.

"We are continuing to appeal for any information from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area from late afternoon on Sunday 29 December to 10am on Monday 30 December to come forward."

Phone Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Ensign or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.