A REWARD of £10,000 has been put up for information to help detectives find the killer of a Sheffield grandad murdered as he walked to church on Christmas Eve.
Crimestoppers has put up the cash reward hoping to tempt people withholding information about the death of 68-year-old Alan Greaves to come forward.
The married dad-of-four, who had two grandchildren, was attacked on Greengate Lane, High Green, as he made his way to midnight communion at nearby St Saviour’s Church on Mortomley Lane.
He suffered severe head injuries and died in hospital three days later with his devastated relatives at his side.
Two men, in their 20s and 40s, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail pending further police inquiries.
Police say the motive for the brutal attack on the lay preacher, who was a retired social worker, is not yet known.
The cash reward will be offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer or culprits.
Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick, who is overseeing the murder investigation, said: “Christmas is usually a time for celebration, but instead the members of Mr Greaves’ family were left distraught.
“People must have been out and about in the village and someone must have seen or know something about this assault. We’d urge them to come forward and help gain justice for the family.”
Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder of Alan Greaves.
Lord Ashcroft, the founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Christmas is a time when family should be together, not when they should be mourning the loss of a loved one.
“Alan Greaves was the victim of a callous attack that should not be allowed to go unpunished.
“It is for this reason that I am appealing to the public to get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously and give us any information that you might have that might help bring Mr Greaves’ killer or killers to justice.”
Dave Hunter, Crimestoppers Regional Manager for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “This was a heartless and heinous attack on an innocent man who was simply on his way to play his part in a midnight mass for the local community.
“This incident has shocked those in the area and I would urge anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Remember, we only want to know what you know, not who you are.”
n Anyone with information should visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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