DOUBLE murder inquiry detectives in Torquay have issued an urgent appeal for help about an item of German clothing they have recovered as part of their investigation.

Det Supt Steve Carey, leading the investigation into the double death of elderly couple Maurece Smith and Rosemary Windle, wants to know more about a Bush Intelligent Wear leather jacket seized as part of their hunt for the couple's killer.

They are keen to find out if anyone recognises the jacket, or one like it, so they can establish where it may been bought or acquired.

The black designer garment features a distinctive knitted lining which zips up at the front.

Det Supt Carey said: "This type of jacket was recovered during the inquiry having apparently been discarded. It was in a poor state of repair.

"Obtaining a similar jacket in a reasonable condition will allow us to compare it to a number of CCTV images which have potential to take the investigation forward.

"The firm which made this jacket was based in Germany and appears to be no longer trading. We would be grateful to hear from anyone who owns a similar item or knows where they were sold."

He added: "We would be very grateful if anyone who has a similar jacket could call our inquiry team."

The couple, in their early 70s, were found dead at their Warren Road flats above Torquay seafront two months ago.

A man has appeared in court charged with their murder.

Police have also repeated their appeal for any sightings of a silver Honda Civic between 1.30pm and 2pm on Friday, January 8 in the area of Abbey Road and Tor Hill Road in Torquay.

Witnesses have already come forward with information about the vehicle, but detectives are still anxious to know if anyone else remembers seeing the vehicle in the area — either parked or moving.

A police spokesman said: "The vehicle may have been parked in an unusual place or perhaps stopped in an area where such a car wouldn't normally be seen."

Det Supt Carey can be contacted by ringing Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444.