Further appeal following murder of Vincent Kershaw

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Police have released a CCTV image of the last known movements of Vincent Kershaw, who was found dead at his home in Rochdale.

An image of Mr Kershaw shopping at Tesco Express on Dale Street, Milnrow at 1pm on Thursday 4 October has been released in the hope someone can piece together his final movements and if they have seen his wallet, believed to have been stolen.

At about 5.10pm on Sunday 14 October 2012, police were called to a house on Willows Lane, Milnrow, following reports of a concern for the welfare of 84-year-old Vincent.

Officers attended and Mr Kershaw, was found dead.

A home office post mortem concluded that he died from head injuries.

Vincent was last seen alive on Thursday 4 October 2012 and police are keen to trace his movements during the day.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Jackson from the Major Incident Team said: “We know he collected his pension from the local Post Office at 10am and was then seen at the Tesco Express shortly before 1pm. Vincent then got into a taxi outside Tesco which dropped him at his home address on Willows Lane a short time later. He was last seen alive at 1pm standing on the pavement outside his home, with three shopping bags, about to go into his house.

“Vincent's body was found in his kitchen by the shopping bags, which were unpacked, ten days later on 14 October 2012, wearing the same clothes he was in on 4 October.

“Mr Kershaw was known to carry large quantities of cash when he was out. Witnesses have described seeing him that morning with a wallet stuffed with cash to the extent that it would not close. When his body was examined there was no sign of his wallet or any cash. So clearly we are seriously considering robbery as a motive in this case.

“We are appealing to anyone who was on Willows Lane or Heatley Road in Milnrow at around 1pm on Thursday 4 October to come forward. We need to speak with anyone who may have seen Vincent going into his house at that time or who may have seen other persons in the area. If you have any information which you think may assist the investigation, please contact us.

“Mr Kershaw's wallet is described as being a typical standard sized dark coloured wallet that folded over and would fit into a jacket pocket. We do not know how much cash he was carrying with him on that day but one witness estimated potentially as much as £3,000. If anyone knows of someone who suddenly had a significant sum of cash at around that time and is suspicious of how they acquired it and feel it may be connected to this incident then please make contact with the police.

“There have been rumours within the community that Mr Kershaw had told people he owned Lowry paintings. A thorough search of the house has been carried out and there is evidence of Lowry prints but no original artwork. This is not a line of inquiry that we are pursuing.

“Increased police patrols remain in the area as does the local Neighbourhood Policing Team mobile police station so if you have any concerns, please approach your local officer.

“I would also like to reiterate to all members of the community, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, not to openly display personal possessions and remain vigilant.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 2027 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.