Police renew appeal over mystery murder of man shot to death in flat 37 years ago

Police investigating a mysterious murder where a man was repeatedly shot at close range in his flat are renewing their appeal for information on the 37th anniversary of his death.

Richard Haywood, known to many as Ricky, was 36 years old when he was shot multiple times at close range in his flat above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road, Southampton, on 16 October 1989.

Despite decades of investigation, nobody has been charged with his murder. In July, a 55-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released without charge.

For Ricky's family, the passage of time has not eased the pain of losing their loved one. For 37 years, they have lived without answers about who was responsible for his murder and have continued to support detectives in their efforts to uncover the truth.

As another anniversary arrives, they are appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward and help provide the answers and closure they have waited so long for.

Ricky’s sister, Ann, said: "Thirty-seven years have passed since Ricky was taken from us, but the pain of losing him has never gone away.

"We have lived for decades without answers, never knowing why this happened or who was responsible.

"I am incredibly grateful to the police and everyone for their dedication and hard work over the years, but we still need the truth. If you know what happened to Ricky, or why he was killed, please tell the police now. After all this time, we desperately need answers and the chance to finally find some closure."

Since reopening the investigation in 2024, detectives have re-examined thousands of reports and statements, identifying a number of fresh lines of enquiry. More than 300 individuals who were either spoken to by police at the time, or are new to the investigation, have been visited as part of ongoing enquiries.

Senior Investigating Officer Elizabeth Brunt said: "We have a team of officers dedicated to this investigation and, since reopening the case, we've made considerable progress reviewing all the evidence and pursuing new lines of enquiry.

"For 37 years, Ricky's family have had to live with the devastating consequences of not knowing exactly what happened or who was responsible for taking their loved one from them. They deserve answers and we need to secure justice for Ricky.

"We believe there are people who still hold information about Ricky's murder and the circumstances surrounding it. Information that may have seemed insignificant at the time could now be vital in helping us build a clearer picture of what happened.

"We believe the person responsible did not act alone and we would like to hear from anyone with information about those involved.

"We know people travelled to Southampton from across the country to visit Ricky's shop and that many who knew him at the time may no longer live in Hampshire. That's why we're asking people to share this appeal as widely as possible.

"Doing nothing is no longer an option. No matter how small or insignificant you think your information may be, please come forward. It could be the missing piece that helps us solve this case."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Tango / 44080416574, or submit information online via the Operation Tango public portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HP020112W52-PO1