HEATHER BARNETT'S horrific murder sent shockwaves through the Charminster area of Bournemouth.

The third killing in six months understandably struck terror in the hearts of local residents already struggling to come to terms with the street stabbings of Korean student Jong Ok Shin and 56-year-old Jean Kenaghan.

Despite police assurances that the attack was not random, many traders and householders who had known Ms Barnett spoke of their shock and fears following the discovery of her mutilated body.

Posters were put up in the hope of jogging memories and police appealed for information about a man seen standing outside Ms Barnett's home at about 11am on the day of her death - November 12, 2002.

Detectives asked taxi drivers to call them if they had seen anything suspicious and dry-cleaning firms were urged to contact police if they were asked to clean bloodstained clothing.

Police also appealed for a woman who had called the anonymous Crimestoppers line to get in touch with the murder incident room.

Ms Barnett's best friend Marilyn Philips from Stalbridge urged the public to help after police revealed that the mother-of-two had been killed with a hammer and knife in a frenzied attack.

A month after Ms Barnett's death her sister Denise Barnett made an emotional appeal to find the killer.

As Christmas approached traders and residents rallied to raise cash for Ms Barnett's two children; Terry, 14, and Caitlin, 11 and police organised their own collection.

In January a man was quizzed in connection with Ms Barnett's murder. He was released without charge.

By February police admitted their frustration that the murderer had not been caught but vowed to continue, stressing the investigation was "very much alive" with "numerous lines of enquiry" being pursued.

Several calls were received after an e-fit of a man police wanted to interview was released.

As the first anniversary of Ms Barnett's death approaches detectives' resolve to hunt down her killer hasn't waned.