Family's 'desperate' appeal to know how grandmother died

The family of a grandmother who was killed in her home using blunt-force are "desperate" for answers about how she died.

In an appeal marking what would have been Rose Johnston's 69th birthday, her family have urged anyone with any information to come forward.

Ms Johnston was found dead at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on 4 October last year.

She had suffered a blunt-force head injury.

In a statement released on Friday, her family said: "As a family we are still in a state of shock and disbelief as to why this has happened to my beautiful mum.

"The investigation being conducted by Merseyside Police has been comprehensive and I know they are working so hard to find whoever did this to mum. I know they are doing everything they possibly can to bring my family and I some answers.

"I'm appealing directly to those of you who might have any information, no matter how small or trivial you might think it may be, to please come forward.

"Share it with the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers and help catch this person.

"As a family, we are desperate for answers and to find peace for us, and our beloved mum."

Detectives investigating her death believe there are people with information who have not yet come forward.

A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of her murder in May and remains on conditional bail.

Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Catherine Walsh said: "The past 10 months have been exceptionally difficult for Rose's family, but they are fully supportive of the work of the investigation team and we are determined to get the answers they deserve.

"We still believe that the answers lie within the local community and that there are people out there who have information which, for whatever reason, they have chosen not to share.

"I would simply say - please do the right thing and come forward. If you don't want to speak to the police then pass on the information anonymously to Crimestoppers.

"The person responsible for Rose's murder does not deserve to be walking the streets and should be behind bars."

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Ms Johnston's family said her birthday on Friday was a reminder of the happy moments that had been "brutally snatched away", adding the loss was a "constant source of pain".

"Knowing my mum she would likely have been arranging a break in a caravan to celebrate her birthday with her beloved sister or even a couple of nights in a hotel in Southport," they said.

"Mum loved nothing more than the chance to take a walk along the beach or prom, go to the market or maybe go to one of her favourite chippies in Rhos-on-Sea.

"Mum would have had my cousins helping to plan and arrange a lovely day for us all, but now I won't get the opportunity to take my mum out for tea and spoil her.

"Those little things that we enjoyed as a family have been brutally snatched away from her and us."

They added: "As a family, we are desperate for answers and to find peace for us, and our beloved mum.

"Happy 69th birthday, mum, love from all the family."

Extensive lines of enquiry have been carried out, including witness, house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries, but the investigation remains ongoing.

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