Villagers invited to give DNA samples in unsolved murder

Nigel Acres, the partner of Valerie Graves' sister, said: "We would ask anyone who is eligible to attend one of the screening sessions and give their DNA. "This is a difficult case and we know the police are doing all they can to solve it. "The DNA screening is an important part of the investigation. Please help."

• Background: Villagers invited to give DNA samples in unsolved murder

The DNA screening sessions are taking place at the Millstream Hotel today and tomorrow, and from Monday 2nd February to Saturday 7th February and from Tuesday 10th February to Sunday 15th February. All sessions are from 10am to 8pm.

Artist Valerie Graves, 55, was found dead in a ground floor bedroom of a house she was looking after for friends on 30th December 201

Today's DNA screening is a last resort for Sussex Police who have interviewed more than 9,500 people as part of the extensive inquiry into the murder of Valerie Graves.

A BBC Crimewatch appeal and a £20,000 reward have failed to yield any suspects or charges.

On the first-year anniversary of the murder last month, officers handed out leaflets and put up posters about the DNA screening.

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

Mass voluntary DNA screening is set to begin by police investigating the unsolved murder of a grandmother in the West Sussex village of Bosham.

Men who live, work or visit the area are being invited to eliminate themselves from suspicion by providing a mouth swab and thumbprint.

Artist Valerie Graves, 55, was found dead in a ground floor bedroom of a house she was looking after for friends on 30th December 2013.

The DNA screening will take place at the Millstream Hotel in the village from today, with posters alerting locals about the dates the screening will take place.