TEN years ago 72-year-old Alfred Sandford collapsed and died as violent thugs armed with a gun targeted his farmhouse during a terrifying robbery. Just six months later his wife, Inez, also passed away, from what her family believes was as the result of a broken heart.

Despite several arrests being made over the past decade, no-one has been brought to justice for the crime that devastated a family. Now, as the tenth anniversary of Alfred’s death passes, detectives in St Helens are making a fresh appeal for vital information to help in a case that remains an open murder inquiry.

It was just before 11.30am on July 24 1998, when a stolen red transit van drew up outside the couple’s home at Grove House Farm on Eltonhead Road, Sutton Heath.

Inez, 73, was used to people calling to buy eggs and opened the door. But on this occasion four white, masked men forced their way past her.

They held the terrified couple at gunpoint and as the men went through the house, 72-year-old Alfred, who was treasurer of Thatto Heath Labour Club, suffered a cardiac arrest.

Despite his wife’s efforts, nothing could be done to save the father-of-five’s life. He had only returned home from Whiston Hospital two days earlier after suffering two heart attacks.

The gang left with a small amount of cash. Later the red van was found abandoned and set on fire in Edge Street, Nutgrove, a quarter of a mile from the scene. A stolen white Ford Sierra, which was used as a getaway car by offenders to make their escape, was also found on fire, just half a mile from the farmhouse on Lacey Street.

This week DCI Chris Sephton, from St Helens CID, said: “The family still mourn the death of their father as much today as they did all those years ago when the news was first broken to them.

“I would say to the men involved in the robbery, it’s not too late to clear your conscience and accept responsibility for what you did.

“I would urge them and anyone with important information to come forward so that justice can be done and the family can put this tragic episode behind them”.

Information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.