Mum's unsolved murder 'a constant source of pain'

The family of a woman who was beaten to death in her home said her unsolved murder was a "constant source of pain".

The body of Rose Johnston was found in Ancroft Road, Dovecot, at 12:35 GMT on 4 October 2025 with a post-mortem examination concluding she had suffered a blunt-force head injury.

Her family have shared their grief on what would have been her 69th birthday - her first birthday since she was killed.

"Mum would have had my cousins helping to plan and arrange a lovely day for us all, but now I won't get the opportunity to take my mum out for tea and spoil her," her family said in a statement.

So far one suspect, a 37-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder but he has since been released on bail as the investigation continues.

Crimestoppers has also offered a £20,000 reward for any information shared exclusively with the charity which leads to the arrest of anyone responsible for her death.

Rose worked as a tutor in adult education for many years and had more recently volunteered with people with special educational needs.

Her family said if she was alive she would have likely been arranging a break in a caravan or a hotel stay in Southport to celebrate her birthday with her "beloved sister".

"Mum loved nothing more than the chance to take a walk along the beach or prom, go to the market or maybe go to one of her favourite chippies in Rhos-on-sea," they said.

"Those little things that we enjoyed as a family have been brutally snatched away from her and us.

"As a family we are still in a state of shock and disbelief as to why this has happened to my beautiful mum."

Her family said they were desperate for answers so they could "find peace".

"I'm appealing directly to those of you who might have any information, no matter how small or trivial you might think it may be to please come forward," they said.

Det Ch Insp Catherine Walsh, of Merseyside Police, said the investigation was "complex".

"We still believe that the answers lie within the local community and that there are people out there who have information which, for whatever reason, they have chosen not to share."

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