£20k reward for tips on murder of 'lovely mum'

A £20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer of a "lovely and generous" Liverpool grandmother found dead in her own home.

Rose Johnston, 68, was found with a blunt force injury to her head at 12:35 BST on Saturday 4 October on Ancroft Road in Dovecot.

She was last seen alive in her home in the early hours on the day before, although Merseyside Police have not confirmed who had reported that last sighting.

So far no arrests have been made and the independent charity Crimestoppers has offered up the reward in the hope of discovering new evidence.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen Ms Johnston, or anyone acting suspiciously around the area between 3 and 4 October to come forward.

Det Ch Insp Catherine Walsh told the BBC: "The family are absolutely devastated.

"Rose was a caring and loving grandmother and mother and it's vital that we get answers for Rose's family to explain what has happened."

She said the force was keeping "an open mind" about the possible motive for the attack.

"We believe that there is someone living in our communities who is the key to unlocking what happened to Rose and who was responsible," she said.

"That person may be staying quiet out of guilt or fear or maybe they heard or saw something and did not realise its significance at the time.

"It is to that person that we are making a direct appeal to come forward and speak to us."

In a statement her family said Ms Johnston had worked as a tutor in adult education for many years and had more recently volunteered with people with special educational needs.

"Even though she didn't have very much, would always buy donations for the foodbank every time she did her shopping," they said.

"She was a very private person, but was truly family-orientated.

"Mum always looked out for and always cared for her whole family, often putting everyone else before herself."

They added: "We just can't understand who would want to hurt her this way and can't understand why after the challenges she has faced in her life would someone do this to my lovely mum."

Gary Murray, North West regional manager at Crimestoppers, said any information provided to the charity would be completely anonymous.

"Rose was a caring and generous woman who dedicated her life to her family and to others," he said.

"Her murder has shocked the local community, and her family deserve answers."

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