DETECTIVES today revealed they are offering a £10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of a thug who killed a great-grandmother.

Merseyside Police revealed the cash was being made available on the second anniversary of 82-year-old Margaret Briers’ death.

The pensioner, also known as Peggy, died a week after a man claiming to be a policeman burst into her home in Caldbeck Grove, Carr Mill and pushed her to the floor before fleeing with just £16 in cash.

She broke her hip during the assault on the night of Sunday, March 30, 2008 and was left lying in agony for 12 hours after the intruder ripped an emergency alarm from her neck.

Margaret, a great-grandmother of 24 and grandmother of 15, later contracted a chest infection and passed away in hospital on April 5, 2008.

Police swiftly launched a manslaughter probe as they concluded her death was directly attributable to the attack.

But despite detectives making several arrests, a high profile Crimewatch appeal which generated fresh leads, and Crimestoppers posting a £5,000 reward nobody has ever been charged in connection with the crime.

Margaret’s family have also repeatedly made appeals via the St Helens Star for information that will help catch her killer.

They are haunted by the robbery that left their mother lying alone in agony, shouting for help that never came.

They are disgusted the brute rejected her pleas for help and also revealed how terrified Margaret feared the attacker would “return to get her” as she lay in a hospital bed with her life ebbing away.

An e-fit of the attacker which was drawn up by police from a description given by Margaret as she lay in a hospital bed just days before her death has been released again as part of the renewed appeal for information.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen May said: "This was despicable crime against an elderly lady.

“We have re-released an e-fit picture of the man we wish to question in relation to this incident.

“We are appealing for members of the public to contact us if they have any information that may help us with our enquiries".

The killer is described as white, in his mid-30s and 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall with a slim build.

He has short brown hair and was clean-shaven, with sharp features and was wearing a navy blue peaked cap.

He also had on a coat, which was buttoned up with dirty-looking brown shoes and gloves. Anyone who thinks they may recognise the man pictured in the e-fit and anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact St Helens CID on 0151 777 1565, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.