THE mother of murdered South-ampton jeweller Ricky Haywood today renewed a £50,000 reward to catch his killer.

Phyllis Haywood, 73, pledged to pay out the huge sum to end the 13-year hunt for the gunman who shot her son in cold blood in the flat above his shop.

Mrs Haywood said she would sell her home to finance the reward money if it brought an end to the long-running murder investigation, one of the oldest on Hampshire police's books.

Bachelor Ricky, 36, was found dead in the bath above his jewellery shop Ambiance in Shirley High Street on October 16, 1989.

He had been shot five times at point-blank range, prompting speculation he was the victim of a professional hitman.

Since then detectives have interviewed more than 11,000 people - but his killer has never been caught.

Speaking just before the anniversary of her son's death, Mrs Haywood said: "It has been 13 years of agony for me.

"I still cry a lot and can still visualise Ricky standing there. All I know is that one day I will see him again."

Widowed Mrs Haywood, who lives as a recluse in West End, added: "I am appealing to anyone who might be able to help me find the person or persons who murdered my beloved son.

"Someone knows who did this terrible deed. I would like anyone who knows anything about my son's murder to please come forward and help me."

Mrs Haywood originally offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her son's murderer, but the amount was doubled on the tenth anniversary of his death.

Det Sgt Jim Park, of the major crime team based in Southampton, stressed the murder investigation, codenamed Operation Tango, remained open.

"New advances in technology may help us finally solve this mystery ," he said.