£20,000 reward offered to find Liverpool killer of 68-year-old Rose Johnston

Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information to find the killer of Rose Johnston in Dovecot, Liverpool.

Rose, 68, was found dead at her home on Ancroft Road at 12.35pm on Saturday 4 October. She had been assaulted and suffered a blunt force head injury.

Rose was last seen alive at her home in the early hours of Friday 3 October and, following extensive lines of enquiry being carried out, including witness, house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries, this appeal is for anyone who saw Rose herself, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area of Ancroft Road between 3 and 4 October, to come forward.

As a charity, independent of the police, Crimestoppers is supporting the investigation by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information we exclusively receive that leads to the arrest of those responsible for Rose’s murder.

Do you have information, but don't want to speak to the police? You can tell us what you know and remain 100% anonymous - guaranteed. 

Call free any time on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick, easy & secure online form, right here on our website:

Give information anonymously

“We believe that there is someone living in our communities who is the key to unlocking what happened to Rose and who was responsible.

“That person may be staying quiet out of guilt or fear, or maybe they heard or saw something and did not realise its significance at the time. It is to that person that we are making a direct appeal to come forward.

“Rose was a loving mum and grandmother and her death has left her family devastated. We remain as resolute as ever in finding the person responsible and would urge the community to support us by telling us what they know.”

Detective Chief Inspector Catherine Walsh, Merseyside Police

“Rose was a caring and generous woman who dedicated her life to her family and others. Her murder has shocked the local community, and her family deserve answers. 

“We know that people often stay silent if they know something about serious crime like this out of fear or because they don’t want to get involved. But Crimestoppers offers a completely safe and anonymous way to speak up.

“You can contact our charity, which is independent of the police, and you will never be asked about your personal details. We can’t trace your call or online form, and you’ll remain 100% anonymous. That means no comeback. 

“If you know what happened to Rose, or have suspicions about who is responsible, please let us know.”

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers' North West Regional Manager

Anonymity: Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact us online can pass on what they know without ever giving any personal details. Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.
 
Claiming a reward: The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling our charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact us via our online form anonymously, the 'keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact.
 
More details about the rewards process – at the heart of which is ensuring you stay 100% anonymous - can be found here.

12 December 2025