£100,000 reward over OAP's murder

Police announced the increased reward at a news conference

Detectives hunting an intruder who killed a 90-year-old widow near Wrexham two years ago have increased the reward on offer for information to £100,000.

Elsie Hughes died the day after she was attacked at her Abermorddu home by someone who stole just £200.

A £30,000 reward was initially put up but now police have more than tripled the amount in the hunt for her killer.

Mrs Hughes' family also urged anyone sheltering those responsible for the "horrifying attack" to come forward.

The retired school cook who was known to everyone as "Aunty Elsie", was found by her daughter collapsed on the floor of the home where she had lived for 50 years, on the night of 8 September 2005.

She had been attacked by an intruder and left with severe facial injuries. Her killer escaped with £200 in cash.

We find it difficult to believe that anybody would shelter the person responsible for such an unnecessary and horrifying attack Statement by Elsie Hughes' family

No-one has been charged with her murder although the police inquiry has so far examined more than 4,000 pieces of evidence.

Announcing the increased reward for help in securing a conviction, senior investigating officer in the case Det Ch Insp Neil Anderson said:"£100,000 is a life changing amount of money."

He urged those with information to come forward and speak to officers directly

Det Ch Insp Anderson said: "Somebody has the specific information we need to solve this brutal murder".

"It may be that some are in fear of speaking," he added. "I would like to reassure them that we can provide assistance and full support.

Elsie Hughes died in hospital the day after she was attacked

Seventeen officers are still working full-time on the murder inquiry.

"We are confident that the answer to who is responsible for this dreadful crime is out there," said Det Ch Insp Anderson.

"Mrs Hughes' family are incredibly courageous and stoical.

"Like the police, they are frustrated that the killer is out there, perhaps being sheltered by someone," he added.

Police also asked anyone who was in the Hawarden Road area of Abermorddu on the day the widow was attacked and who have not yet spoke to police to come forward , even if they do not believe they saw anything significant.

Mrs Hughes' granddaughters have previously made emotional appeals, but on Friday, in a statement, the family repeated their plea.

"It is now the second anniversary of the horrific murder of our much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, we still feel a great loss," the family said.

'Horrifying attack'

"It is difficult to comprehend why anybody would want to hurt someone so vulnerable, caring and generous.

"We find it difficult to believe that anybody would shelter the person responsible for such an unnecessary and horrifying attack."

In July last year, two men were jailed for perverting the course of justice in relation to her murder after disposing of a blue Ford Escort van police had been trying to trace as part of their investigation.

A woman has been bailed to appear at Mold Crown Court on 5 October, charged with stealing £1,000 from Mrs Hughes' home in a burglary less than a month before the killing.