A DOUBLE murderer who strangled his defenceless victims and burned them in their homes has still not been caught a year after the killings.

The bodies of Clare Letchford, 40, and Beryl O'Connor, 75, were both found in their flats in Hastings, which are less than 100 yards apart.

The murders stunned the town and Mrs Letchford's father Frank made an emotional appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme for information.

He died last year without ever discovering the killer's identity.

The victims' last moments were described at an inquest in Hastings yesterday.

The killer strangled Mrs O'Connor and attempted to strangle Mrs Letchford before setting their bodies on fire, using their clothes to fuel the flames.

Mrs Letchford was found dead at her rented basement flat in Cornwallis Gardens, where she lived alone, on January 18, 1998.

Mrs O'Connor was discovered at her home eight days later.

Home Office pathologist Iain West said Mrs Letchford was found badly burned with a pair of shoelaces tied around her neck and a cushion cover over her head.

He said she had been restrained before being set alight and died from inhaling smoke.

Franklin Davis, assistant divisionalofficer for East Susex fire brigade, said two separate blazes had been started in the flat and there was no evidence of an electrical fault or forced entry.

Insp John Levett of Hastings police said her killer probably entered through the front door, which had been left unlocked.

Mrs O'Connor was found at her home in Clifton Court, Holmesdale Gardens.

Dr West said: "She had been alive at the time the fire started. I am quite satisfied this woman died of asphyxiation after suffering from strangulation."

Insp Levett said four people had been arrested during the inquiry into both deaths but no charges had yet been brought. He said: "The case remains open and the police investigation will continue."

Coroner Alan Craze recorded a verdict of unlawful death on both women. He said: "These were despicable and needless crimes against two victims who were each in their own way vulnerable."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.