South Yorkshire Police are renewing their appeal for information in an anniversary bid to find Vera Cooper’s killer.

Barnsley pensioner Vera Cooper died aged 80 on 24 January 2002, in her home on Greenbank Walk, Grimethorpe.

Despite an extensive investigation over the last ten years, no one has been brought to justice for her death.

A worried neighbour raised the alarm and contacted relatives, as they couldn’t get in touch with her. Vera was then found dead in her bungalow.

She was certified dead at the scene and it was initially believed she had died from natural causes. However, an examination by a Home Office pathologist confirmed that death was due to manual strangulation.

Officers believe her home was burgled, however, there was no sign of forced entry but the back door and conservatory door were unlocked. Because Vera was known to be very security conscious and not the type of person to let anyone in, police believe she knew the caller responsible for her death.