A reward of £10,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers following the murder of a pensioner in Coleraine, Co Derry, during a burglary at his home earlier this week.
The incident occurred when an intruder broke into a bungalow in Glenmore Gardens and assaulted 72-year-old Bertie Acheson before threatening his wife and demanding she hand over money.
Mr Acheson died after suffering a heart attack as a result of his ordeal.
His 70-year-old wife, who has mobility restrictions, was left badly shaken and had approximately £375 stolen from her.
Chairman of Crimestoppers' Northern Ireland committee Paul Leighton said today: "This was a cowardly act carried out against two vulnerable people and has left a community badly shaken and extremely angry.''
The couple’s daughter, Sandra Creelman, said: "This has been a nightmare. A total and utter living nightmare. Our lives have just been ruined. It will never be the same again, never. Not for any of us."
Mrs Creelman added: "Mum will never be in her home again. She is terrified going back.
"They stripped my mother of everything she held dear and loved her whole life. The person that did this has destroyed everything.
"Mum is coping as best she can. Sometimes she is numb, sometimes she cries. She is petrified. She won't go into a bedroom at night on her own. Somebody has to be with her. She is not sleeping."
A post-mortem report confirmed cuts and bruises to lips and neck on Mr Acheson, which were consistent with an assault.
Mr and Mrs Acheson had been married for 44 years.
Police believe the burglar lives locally and may have cut himself before fleeing.
