IT is six and a half years since Alfred Sandford died from a massive heart attack after being threatened at gunpoint by four ruthless thugs who were robbing his farmhouse.

To date, no-one has stood trial for his murder and the wish of Alfred's tormented family to see the culprits brought to justice burns as deep as ever.

This week, the eldest of his five children, Patricia Leigh is making a renewed plea for information and revealed that a reward leading to a conviction of her father's murderers has been raised to £14,000.

Patricia and her family blame the robbers who burst into Grove House Farm, Elton Head Road, on July 24, 1998, for the deaths of both their parents.

Alfred, 72, then treasurer of Thatto Heath Labour Club, had returned home from Whiston Hospital only two days before the raid after suffering two heart attacks.

As the robbers violently pushed his wife Inez (73) over a settee, he pleaded desperately for them to be left alone. The trauma was too much, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest and was dead on arrival at Whiston Hospital.

Six months after the robbery Inez also died - her family believe it was from a broken heart.

Patricia, 57, said: "The family have all found their own ways of coping with our loss and we support each other but, as time has gone on, I've felt less and less able to get on with my life. As far as we're concerned, the men who robbed the house that night are responsible for the deaths of both my parents and I can't rest knowing they are still out there."

She says the robbers' actions mean her parents missed the chance to watch their 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren grow.

Patricia added: "Dad was a big family man and would have found so much enjoyment in his great grandchildren, but that opportunity was cruelly taken away from him.

"For mum, it was more than she could bear, the two of them were devoted to each other. She died of a broken heart and we've all paid such a heavy price at the hands of some very ruthless people.

"I know that someone somewhere has got information that will help catch these men and I am asking you to think, if this was your dad, your husband, your granddad, how would you feel? Please, do the right thing and come forward to help my family find some peace."

IT was shortly before 11.30am on Friday, July 24, 1998 when the four robbers targeted the Sandfords' Grove House Farm, on Elton Head Road, Sutton Heath. They pulled up in a red transit van, stolen from Warrington hours earlier and approach the farmhouse.

Inez was accustomed to callers who wanted to buy eggs and opened the door. Four masked men forced their way in and held the Sandfords at gunpoint. As the robbers searched the house Alfred collapsed and despite his wife's efforts nothing could be done to save him. The gang left, with a small amount of money.

It is believed Mr Sandford's home was targeted because he was treasurer of a labour club and the robbers suspected there might be cash in the farmhouse.

The van was later found burned out on Edge Street, a quarter of a mile from the scene. A stolen white Ford Sierra, used as the second getaway car, was also found on fire half a mile from the farmhouse on Lacey Street, Thatto Heath.

During the investigation several arrests have been made, but nobody has been charged and the murder inquiry remains open.

Detective Constable Keith Hill said: "The family still mourn the death of their father as much today as they did all those years ago.

"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 Patricia and her family can put this tragic episode behind them."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on

0800 555 111