Reward offered as 40-year hunt for Esme's killer continues

FRESH APPEAL IN COLD CASE INVESTIGATION INTO MURDER OF TONBRIDGE PENSIONER

- By HEDI MEHREZ

The model of the car and, below, type of shoe that are suspected to be involved

A FRESH appeal for information about a decades-old cold case has been launched, as police continue to investigate the unsolved murder of a Tonbridge pensioner more than 40 years ago.

Esme Hoad, 85, was killed in 1982 after an intruder entered her home, beat her around the head with a blunt instrument, and stabbed her in the chest.

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

The attack took place while Ms Hoad was living alone at her house in Havelock Road. Her body was found by police on December 8, 1982, after concerned neighbours reported she had not been seen for several days.

Inside Ms Hoad's house