'Midsomer' murder: DNA screening begins in hunt for Valerie Graves' killer

She was bludgeoned as she house-sat with her sister Jan, mother Eileen and her sister's partner, Nigel Acres, while the property's owners holidayed abroad over Christmas.

More than 9,500 people have been interviewed by police, a 20,000 reward has been offered, a BBC Crimewatch appeal has been made and a limited DNA match of a suspect has been yielded.

However, despite an exhaustive inquiry, no one has been charged. On the first-year anniversary of the murder, officers handed out leaflets and put up posters about the DNA screening.

They asked for men aged over 17 who live, work or visit Bosham to provide a DNA mouth swab and thumbprint to eliminate them from the inquiry.

The death of Ms Graves shocked the small community of Bosham, which featured in an episode of the ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders.

A DNA screening is taking place in the village of Bosham (Christopher Pledger)

Last month, Ms Graves's two children Tim Wood, 32, and 35-year-old Jemima Harrison spoke - along with Mr Acres - ahead of the first anniversary of her murder.

The family said Christmas was put "on hold" as they faced their first festive season without her and as her murderer still remains at large.

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'Midsomer' murder: DNA screening begins in hunt for Valerie Graves' killer