A 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a grandmother who was assaulted in her home.
Emergency services attended an address in Ancroft Road, Dovecot, at approximately 12:35pm on Saturday, October 4 last year, following reports that a woman had died.
Merseyside Police confirmed that Rose Johnston was found dead at the property after sustaining a blunt force head injury in an assault. A murder investigation was launched immediately after her death, with detectives issuing appeals for information.
Second arrest made in murder investigation
Extensive enquiries have taken place, Merseyside Police said, with the force arresting a 64-year-old man today, Tuesday (September 8), on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at the time of writing where he will be interviewed by detectives, reports The Echo.
This is the second arrest in connection with the death of Ms Johnston after a 37-year-old was questioned in May this year. He was released on conditional bail.
Family tribute and police appeal
In a tribute from her family earlier this year, they said: "The impact the loss of my mum has had is a constant source of pain for our whole family. Knowing my mum would likely have been arranging a break in a caravan to celebrate her birthday with her beloved sister or even a couple of nights in a hotel in Southport."
"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. 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."
"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."
Detective Chief Inspector Catherine Walsh, who is leading the investigation into Rose’s murder, said: "Although we have made a second arrest our enquiries remain ongoing and it is vital that anybody with information who hasn’t already come forward does so as a matter of urgency."
"We need people to tell us about any suspicious activity they heard or saw around the time of Rose’s murder or any CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage they may have or have seen which could assist with our investigation."
"Rose’s family have been living without answers for over 11 months now but we remain committed to finding the person responsible for her death and bringing them to justice."
"My appeal remains with the local community to come forward and tell us what you know."
The ECHO previously reported "private, but truly family orientated" Ms Johnston was a tutor working in adult education and had more recently volunteered for the Nugent group supporting people who special education needs. Her family remembered "she didn't have very much [but] would always buy donations for the foodbank every time she did her shopping".
