Detectives appeal for help tracing Loughborough murder victim Alexis Durant's missing phone

Detectives have appealed for help tracing a mobile phone which belonged to a woman who was found murdered in her home last month.

They launched a murder investigation after 42-year-old Alexis Mary Durant's body was found in her flat in Gallico Close, Loughborough on Wednesday, February 20.

Police are waiting to speak to a 30-year-old man who remains in hospital and are not seeking anyone else in connection with Ms Durant's death.

Today the detective in charge of the case revealed that Ms Durant's mobile phone was missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cure urged anyone who has found or been offered for sale a black Nokia N97 to contact police.

He said: "We have been unable to find Alexis' phone since we began our investigation and we are urging anyone who may have come across it to get in touch.

"We have done some intelligence and technical searches on the use of Alexis' phone and have found that it hasn't been used since Monday February 18.

"We believe that it is most likely still in the Loughborough area and would ask local residents to be extra vigilant.

"If you have found, or have been offered to buy, a black Nokia N97 please think carefully as to whether or not the phone could be hers.

"If you're not sure what a Nokia N97 looks like then please have a look online so you can help.

"We are also urging anyone with information about the murder of Alexis to get in touch.

"We would like to speak to anyone who saw someone coming and going around Gallico Close between Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon?"

Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.