ALL males aged over 14 in two neighbouring North Yorkshire villages are being asked to give their genetic fingerprints to detectives hunting a killer, the Evening Press can reveal today.

Officers investigating the murder of 58-year-old bachelor David Williamson, who was found unconscious with a fractured skull on a roadside path just a few hundred yards from his home in Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold, have widened the murder hunt with the delivery of letters to hundreds of homes in his village and neighbouring Huby, which ask males to come forward for DNA testing.

The investigation team began taking samples from about 100 villagers in August, which were tested at the Forensic Science Service laboratories in Wetherby.

The letters, which were hand-delivered to homes this week, explain how forensic tests at the spot where Mr Williamson was found on Monday, March 26, had discovered a DNA profile, which police believe could be that of his killer.

They explain: "To date this profile has not been matched to an individual. To progress the investigation the police are conducting a mass DNA screening in the villages of Huby and Sutton-on-the-Forest on males over the age of 14."

Taking part in the testing is entirely voluntary but the letter tells people they "can assist" by attending at designated testing stations.

One will be set up at Huby Sports and Social Club, in Robin Lane, Huby. It will be open from Monday until Sunday, November 25, between 8am and 10pm.

The tea room at Sutton Hall, in Main Street, Sutton-on-the-Forest, will be used as the second testing site from Monday, November 26, until Sunday, December 2, between 8am and 10pm.

People attending will have two swabs taken from their mouths and will be photographed and have their thumb prints taken.

The combined male population of both villages is about 800.

Recipients of the letters are also told: "The DNA samples taken will be used for the purposes of this inquiry only and will not be placed on the national DNA database or searched against any other crime scene."

Mr Williamson was struck from behind with a blunt instrument as he walked home from the Star Inn, in Huby.

Updated: 10:11 Friday, November 16, 2001