THE family of a man suspected of murdering his wife more than 30 years ago are calling for fresh eyes to be cast over the evidence.

Peter Heron, who has always maintained his innocence, was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Ann, in 1990 – the case remains open.

The Northern Echo: Ann HeronAnn Heron

Now a private investigator and a law firm have joined forces to help completely clear the pensioner's name.

Mr Heron's daughter, Debbie Simpson, is urging Durham Constabulary to invite another force to look through the evidence because she believes the original investigation focussed solely on her father and didn't look at potential alternatives.

The Northern Echo: Debbie SimpsonDebbie Simpson

She said: "As a family, we ask for nothing more than Ann deserved in August 1990; a police investigation conducted with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality at its core. Ann’s murder and the subsequent actions of Durham Constabulary have had damaging and lifelong effects on Peter and his family which continue to this day and we will continue our fight for truth and justice.”

The Northern Echo: Peter HeronPeter Heron

Jen Jarvie, a private death investigator, identified another suspect and handed over documents and evidence to Durham Constabulary late last year but feels the force did not take it seriously.

She said: "It has been barbaric for this to be hanging over Peter and his family for more than 30 years. He has a clear alibi for the day of Ann's murder but Durham Police have only focussed on her husband being responsible.

"We provided them with evidence identifying Michael Benson as a suspect but he was never investigated by them.

"They asked for credible evidence and we believe we have provided them with that."

The Northern Echo: Alistair Smith, left, with Jen Jarvie, rightAlistair Smith, left, with Jen Jarvie, right

Alistair Smith, from Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, urged the force to ask another force to look at the evidence and bring in the Independent Office of Police Conduct to review its conduct during the investigation.

He added: “There has been new evidence and old evidence that could have been re-examined with a more open mind and they have failed to do so."

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “We carried out a major investigation into the murder of Ann Heron and the inquiry has been subject to significant review. We will continue to follow all reasonable lines of inquiry.

“The force maintain contact with Ann’s family when relevant updates are appropriate.”