The body of Jane Longhurst was discovered on Saturday

Detectives said on Thursday that searches of the area at Wiggonholt Common in Pulborough, West Sussex, had been completed.

Officers have now been putting up posters at the beauty spot appealing for information to try and find the 31-year-old's killer.

On Wednesday police said they were "one step behind" the murderer after finding a number of items near where the body was found including a match, a box of matches and Miss Longhurst's watch.

The items have been sent for forensic tests.

'Vital clues'

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.

Her body was found, set alight, on the common, after a passing motorist reported seeing a fire on Saturday evening.

A motorist spotted the fire in the woods

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who is leading Sussex Police's hunt for Jane's killer, said in a press conference: "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."

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."

An old, red car has now been eliminated from the police enquiries after the driver came forward as a result of publicity.

But police still want to trace a brown or dark green Ford Focus and a Renault Espace.

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