Hampshire police reopen 1989 Ricky Haywood murder probe

Police are re-examining the murder of jeweller Richard Haywood, known as Ricky, who was left dying in a pool of blood when he was shot multiple times at point-blank range in 1989.

The 36-year-old was found in the bathroom of his flat, above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road, on Monday, October 16, 1989.

LIVE UPDATES as police reopen Ricky Haywood murder investigation

Police said a hitman could have shot the antiques, jewellery and furniture dealer in a contract killing.

But now, almost 35 years on, police have relaunched their investigation and say that advancements in forensics could help them finally crack the case. 

Ricky Haywood murder - Police outside Ambiance jewellers in Shirley. (Image: Echo)

Crimestoppers are offering a £20,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest and conviction, with officers also running a stall on Shirley High Street today. 

It comes as his family have spent years searching for information on Ricky's death.

Ricky's mother, Phyllis, offered a £50,000 reward in October 1999. 

She has since died not knowing what happened to her son. 

In a statement, Ricky's sister Ann said: "We cannot express enough the huge impact Ricky’s death has had on us.

"The pain never goes away. My mum never had peace and it slowly ate away at her, she went to her grave never knowing who committed this awful crime.

"I as Ricky’s sister have to live with the pain of his murder and knowing how my mum suffered too.

"We pray this new appeal will urge someone to come forward and hopefully after all these years find justice and closure."

Ricky Haywood murder - Ann Haywood [Ricky's sister], left, and Phyllis Haywood [Rickys mother], (Image: Echo)

No one has ever been charged with the killing which took place on the same night Ricky's shop was broken into, with the culprit using the keys stolen from his flat.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Major Crime team are examining the details of the case and reviewing all of the evidence available and now believe that advancements in forensic science will allow the investigation to proceed. 

"I believe someone knows why Ricky was killed and who was responsible," said Detective Inspector Elizabeth Brunt, who is now leading the investigation.

"Whatever your allegiances, you would be doing the right thing by telling us what you know.

“I would urge those people to think about Ricky’s family who have waited more than 35 years to find out why someone killed him.

"While Ricky’s mother died broken-hearted, the rest of his family are desperate to know the truth," Det Insp Brunt continued.

"We need to give his family the answers they rightly deserve, to get justice for them and for Ricky.

"Your help is needed and now is the time to communicate what you know, either directly, anonymously or through a third party - doing nothing is no longer an option.”

READ MORE: Mother pleads: help me find Ricky's killers

Ambiance Jewellers, Shirley (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) “As we review the evidence available to us, I would like to appeal to anyone out there that may hold information about what happened to come forward and speak to us.

In 2002, Phyllis said she would sell her home to finance the reward money if it brought an end to the investigation. 

Detectives at the time interviewed more than 11,000 people but still the mother's "13 years of agony" continued. 

Beth Simpson, regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers, added: “Ricky’s heartbroken family still don’t have answers or justice.

"Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for his murder.

“If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously.

"If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we’ll pass it on for you, it is not too late. We are independent of the police and won’t ask for any personal details, there’ll be no police contact or witness statements, and you won’t have to go to court. Nobody will know you contacted us.”

Anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, can contact police on 101 quoting Operation Tango or 44080416574, or go to the Hampshire Constabulary website.

You can also provide your information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Only information submitted via Crimestoppers is eligible for the reward, which expires on December 31.