BBC One Crimewatch Roadshow appeals for clues after murder of South Yorkshire pensioner

This morning’s programme featured a reconstruction of the 80-year-old’s last movements before he was attacked in his home in October 2015.

Tommy was found on the morning of 1 October 2015 at his home on Salisbury Road in Maltby, with serious injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he remained in a critical condition for a number of months, but died as a result of his injuries on 23 February.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Short, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are approaching nine months since 80-year-old Tommy was brutally attacked at his home in Maltby, and sadly almost four months since the injuries he suffered as a result of the assault, contributed to his death.

“I want the reconstruction on Crimewatch today to drive home the stark reality to those who know who committed this vicious attack on a defenceless old man. I want them to visualise what actually happened and for them to understand the grief and pain that has been caused.

“Someone out there knows something, and I hope that by seeing the reconstruction, it may trigger an emotional response and some form of empathy, and encourage them to come forward.”

It is believed Tommy’s life savings of approximately £30,000 in cash were stolen along with a safety deposit box. An identical box was recovered from a canal in the Kilnhurst area of Rotherham around two weeks later, but it was empty.

Five people were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been released.

Tommy’s son, Sean Ward, and the carer who found him joined police in appealing for information on the programme.

Sean said: “For someone to hit an 80-year-old man that wasn’t very steady at all and go to the lengths they went to, there’s no words for them. They’re not human.

“They’ve stolen what he’s worked for and stolen what’s rightly his, and they’ve stolen his life. They’ve stolen my kids’ grandfather and my dad.

“We’re just in a long dark tunnel. It doesn’t seem there’s any light at the end of it.”

The charity Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction.

Det Chief Inspector Short said: “I have a team of dedicated detectives who are solely committed to working on this case, to uncover who is responsible for such a cruel and heartless assault on a vulnerable man.

“Officers are in Maltby today, in conjunction with the reconstruction on Crimewatch, handing out leaflets and distributing posters into the area, publicising the Crimestoppers reward and asking for anyone with information in connection the murder investigation to please come forward.

“Can you remember a family member or friend behaving strangely in the days following the attack? Did you see anyone with blood stained clothes, or anyone suddenly in possession of large amounts of cash? I would encourage anyone, even with the slightest piece of information, to please get in touch with us so we can ensure justice is served for Tommy.”

Call 101 or email [email protected], quoting incident number 408 of 1 October 2015.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.