Police investigating a pensioner's murder for a fish supper have received "encouraging" information, it emerged today.

Detective Superintendent Derek Storey, who is leading the hunt for 77-year-old Marie Watson's killer, praised the public for its response to appeals for information.

He said: "We have had an excellent response but would still encourage people to come forward with any information, however small, to help with our inquiry."

The widow died on Saturday from injuries resulting from being mugged on April 4, as she made her way home to Spencer Street, in Heaton, Newcastle, from Gill's fish and chip shop on Chillingham Road.

She was wrestled to the ground by a youth, who stole her black shopping bag containing a piece of fish and personal items.

The great grandmother, who was partially sighted and had hearing problems, suffered severe bruising, a fractured right arm and broken ribs.

House-to-house inquiries were yesterday continuing in the area of the mugging, while search teams combed it for clues, including Mrs Watson's black shopping bag, which has yet to be found.

Officers were also on hand in a mobile unit in Spencer Street to speak to witnesses.

On Tuesday, Home Secretary David Blunkett described the robbery as "horrendous", and an incident room set up to investigate it has received a flood of calls and cards of condolence from local people.

Anyone with information is urged to ring 0191-214 6555, extension 62801 or 62868, or call into the 24-hour unit in Spencer Street.