Reward of £20k offered in cold-case murder probe

A £20,000 reward is on offer for information which helps police solve the murder of a woman killed more than 40 years ago.

Esme Hoad died in 1982 after an intruder entered her home and beat her around the head with a blunt instrument. She was also stabbed in the chest, Kent Police said.

The attack happened while she was living alone at her house in Havelock Road, Tonbridge.

The 85-year-old's body was found by police on 8 December 1982, after neighbours reported she had not been seen for days.

Police said they found no sign of forced entry but officers found a "substantial" amount of blood was at the scene.

A shoe print was recovered with the word "banana" on the sole.

One line of inquiry was into an unknown couple, believed to have been regular visitors to the victim's address, who had a blue Mini Traveller car.

Officers said they believed the pair were interested in acquiring antiques.and they suspected several things may have gone missing from Ms Hoad's home.

Appeals at the time tried to locate the items including porcelain figures of a young girl, and a tiger.

A brass lamp was also thought to be missing.

A Kent Plice spokesperson said the couple were never found and no evidence confirmed they had anything to do with Ms Hoad's murder, or that any antiques had been stolen.

Det Insp Lee Neiles said: "Esme Hoad was a much-loved member of her community and the brutality of her murder shocked the whole town.

"More than 40 years have passed, but time does not diminish our determination to find the person responsible.

"We believe someone out there knows what happened, and even the smallest piece of information could be the key to unlocking this case."

Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward for information which leads to Ms Hoad's killer being found and convicted.

South-east manager Phil Breckon, said: "Time can bring new perspectives and that loyalties or relationships may have changed.

"Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece that helps find Esme's killer."

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