Police hail positive response to appeal after pensioner murdered in his home

By LUCINDA CAMERON
Published on 16/10/2012 00:46

Detectives investigating the murder of a pensioner in his home said they have had a positive response to their appeals for information.

Robert Simpson, 67, was found dead at the property in Mayfield Drive, in Armadale, West Lothian, at about 9pm on 6 October.

He had been assaulted and suffered serious head injuries, police said.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £5,000 for anyone who can provide information which leads to the ­arrest and conviction of whoever killed Mr Simpson.

A team of around 40 officers is investigating a number of lines of inquiry, as well as continuing door-to-door and CCTV inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Bob Cowper, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “The response to the Crimestoppers appeal has been very positive so far, however, I must stress that the inquiry is still live and the reward is still available.

“I understand that, for whatever reason, it might be difficult for people to come forward to police and speak to us, but they might hold the vital piece of information that could lead us to Mr Simpson’s killer or killers.

“Please be assured that any information passed to Crimestoppers will be treated in complete anonymity and they will never disclose any personal details to police.”

Over the weekend, the force ad trailer was in the local area promoting the Crimestoppers telephone number.