CCTV released in hunt for gran's killer

Detectives investigating the murder of a grandmother have released CCTV footage showing her in the days before she was found dead at her home, ahead of the first anniversary of her death.

Rose Johnston was 68 when she was discovered at her home on Ancroft Road in Dovecot, Liverpool, on 4 October last year with a blunt force head injury.

The footage, filmed two days earlier, shows her socialising with friends at The Watch Maker pub in Prescot, about four miles from her home. She is wearing the same clothes she was found in.

Her family have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and help bring them "peace".

The family said: "As the first anniversary of the loss of mum approaches, the pain we feel as a family is unbearable.

"Not a day goes by that we aren't desperate to find out what happened to her.

"The way in which she died was senseless and devastating and as a family we struggle to understand why anyone would want to hurt her."

They continued: "She was an honest, hardworking woman whose caring nature was felt by every person she met.

"Mum should have been looking forward to many more years of life enjoying her family and watching her grandchildren grow up."

So far, two men have been arrested on suspicion of Rose's murder.

Both have been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Det Ch Insp Catherine Walsh said: "We know that after leaving the pub she arrived home via taxi and that was the last time she was seen alive."

Urging anyone with information to come forward, Walsh said: "It's incomprehensible that 12 months on, Rose's killer is still walking the streets.

"Rose's family and friends have been left devastated by their loss, but we remain committed to getting the answers they deserve."

Crimestoppers has also offered a £20,000 reward for any information shared exclusively with the charity which leads to the arrest of anyone responsible for her death.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.