THE devastated daughter of murdered Alfred Sandford, the pensioner who died after an armed raid at his home, has spoken for the first time about the tragedy.

Close to tears Patricia Leigh, one of Alfred's five children, said: "The family is devastated. My mam's devastated. We can't believe this has happened.

"He didn't deserve this and we didn't deserve to lose our father."

Alfred, 72, who lived with his wife of 50 years, Inez, at Grove House Farm, Elton Head Road, was a well-known figure in Thatto Heath and his two sons and three daughters all live within half-a-mile of the family home. Alfred, who has 12 grandchildren, was the treasurer of Thatto Heath Labour club and police believe this could have provided the robbers with a motive.

Patricia added that since the incident her mother is doing her best to put on a brave face, but she is not as strong a person as Mr Sandford "who did everything for her.

"I think they thought Dad had a lot of money in the house." Patricia explained.

"Dad was a very well respected man and I appeal to anyone who may be able to help to contact the police as soon as possible," she added.

DCI Ray Murray, who is leading the investigation revealed the latest information about the robbery, which took place at 11.30am on Friday July 24.

He said: "Just before this time a red Transit van stolen from Warrington earlier that day drew up at the farm. Mrs Sandford opened the door - she was used to people calling to buy eggs - and four masked, white men jumped out of the van, one of whom was carrying a handgun. They forced their way into the house holding the couple at gunpoint while they searched the house.

"The men then left, with a small amount of cash, and escaped in the Transit van. Within minutes it was set on fire in nearby Edge Street, Nutgrove. The men then got into a white Sierra estate (registration G367 VYP) stolen from Whiston early on July 24.

"As a result of the incident Mr Sandford was taken ill at the scene - he had suffered from a long-term heart condition and this was well known locally - and he died on arrival at Whiston Hospital." DCI Murray, continued: "The Sierra was found on fire in Lacey Street, Thatto Heath, early on Saturday morning and our inquiries are centred on the Lacey Street and Edge Street areas and the areas from where the vehicles were stolen.

"We believe it is highly likely that the people who committed this crime are local and had local accents. I believe the answer lies in the people of the area and I am sure the local community will be able to help us solve this crime. Anybody who may have information regarding either of the vehicles or who know anything that may help us should contact us as soon as possible."

DCI MURRAY, in charge of the murder investigation, has appealed to a man who called St Helens police station at 11.40pm on Saturday, July 25 to come forward.

DCI Murray said the man had a local accent and was reasonably well spoken. He is concerned he may have more information that could be vital to them in their inquiry.

CONTACT St Helens Police Station on 0151 777 6050, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information, no matter how trivial you may feel the information is.

JOHN Ireland, former secretary of Thatto Heath Labour Club where Alfred was treasurer, has paid tribute to his former committee colleague. He said: "I have known Alfred for six years and he worked hard to save the club when it was in trouble.

"Despite ill-health, Alfred, who joined the club before the war and was one of the founding members, worked tirelessy to save it from financial difficulties. And his efforts, along with the rest of committee, culminated in the return of the deeds to the members."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.