Jane Longhurst's body was found on Saturday evening

They said on Wednesday a match, a box of matches and Miss Longhurst's watch had been found on the common where her body was found at the weekend.

The items have been sent for forensic tests and the detective leading the investigation said they could represent a "significant breakthrough".

Miss Longhurst's family have issued a statement appealing for anyone sheltering the killer to give them up.

DNA samples are also to be taken from her close family and friends.

Miss Longhurst, a 31-year-old music teacher at Brighton's Uplands School, who was originally from Reading, disappeared on 14 March.

'Vital clues'

Her body was found, set alight, in Wiggonholt Common, near Pulborough in West Sussex, after a passing motorist reported seeing a fire on Saturday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who is leading Sussex Police's hunt for Jane's killer, said in a press conference on Wednesday: "We believe we are now just one step behind the person who did this.

"The items discovered at the scene could be a significant breakthrough.

DCI Steve Dennis is leading the hunt for Jane Longhurst's killer

"All of them were found around the area where Jane was set on fire - it may be that they have nothing to do with the enquiry but they could also provide vital clues as to who her killer is."

DCI Dennis made a direct appeal to the murderer, saying: "If you are Jane's killer then please come forward now and speak to us.

"We want to hear from you and find out what has happened. This is the chance to tell us."

Miss Longhurst's mother Liz, sister Sue and partner Malcolm Sentance issued a joint statement, read out at the media conference.

It said: "We are slowly coming to terms with what has happened to Jane and pulling together as a family to support each other during such a difficult time.

"Our main aim now is to find the person who did this and to make sure justice is done.

"Anyone who knows anything about what happened, we beg you to come forward.

More items have been found in the area where her body was burned

"If you are protecting a loved one, or you think someone is hiding something, try to imagine how you would feel if this was your daughter or partner or sister who have been killed in this way.

"You too would want to find the person who did it. If you know or suspect anything please contact the police."

Police said it was likely Miss Longhurst knew her killer, but said they could not rule out the possibility it was a stranger.

DCI Dennis said: "As a matter of routine we have been speaking to people who are significant in Jane's life. At this time, however, there are no suspects."

More than 100 calls have been made to Sussex Police in relation to the murder hunt.