Police investigating the death of former health minister Els Borst a week ago on Sunday combed woods behind her house in Bilthoven and took away a number of items, including cigarette ends.

Borst, 81, is thought to have died as the result of what police have described as ‘a criminal act’. Her body was found in the garage of her home last Monday.

Between 40 and 50 military police officers were drafted in to help in the search. ‘It is not that we have information there is evidence in the woods. We wanted to rule it out,’ a spokesman said. Rather, the woods could have been used as a route to or from the house, news agency ANP said.

The area around the house remains sealed off to the public.

A memorial service was held for Borst in the Domkerk in Utrecht on Saturday. Her party, D66, has suspended its election campaigning until Tuesday as a mark of respect.