Divers searching an Oxshott lake have found an item that could be "significant" to the murder investigation of Robyn Mercer in West Molesey.

The item was recovered from Littleheath Pond by a member of the Specialist Group International (SGI) team, which has been working at the site with Surrey Police since Tuesday.

Mother-of-two Ms Mercer was found bludgeoned to death by an axe or machete in her front garden on March 14 in Abbey Walk in Walton Road.

The object was found by a diver whilst scouring the bed of the lake yesterday afternoon during the search for evidence into the 50-year-old's brutal murder. Police have refused to give further details about the nature of the object stating it would be harmful to the investigation.

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said other items of potential interest had been found in the search, which has been extended for at least another day until Friday.

Detective Inspector Paddy Mayers said: “The items recovered are all potentially significant but clearly one of the recovered items may be crucial to the investigation. It is too early to say of how much importance they may prove to be and there remains a sizeable section of the pond still to be searched.

“Any retrieved objects will be thoroughly examined forensically to assess how or what importance they could have to the operation.

“Officers continue to work relentlessly to bring those responsible for Robyn’s horrific murder to justice. I’m again urging anyone who has information which has not already been shared with police to come forward.

“Please think of Robyn’s two children and the distress that they continue to face.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting Operation Zebu, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.