THE son of murdered pensioner Georgina Edmonds has offered a reward for information that leads to the capture of his mother's killer.

Harry Edmonds has offered £3,000, with a further £2,000 added by Hampshire Constabulary to make a total of £5,000, for information that helps the hunt for those who murdered the widow of Basingstoke coffee merchant Harry Edmonds Snr at her home in Kiln Lane, Brambridge, on January 11.

A post-mortem examination revealed the 77-year-old died as a result of extensive head injuries.

Her son, who still runs the family business The Edmonds Group from a base in Paddington House, Basingstoke, said: "I am offering this reward to anyone who can provide the police with information that leads to the conviction of the person, or people, responsible for my mother's death."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Barton, of Hampshire Constabulary, described Mrs Edmonds' murder as a "horrendous crime".

He added: "We believe that the person responsible for Mrs Edmonds' death may have confessed to a friend or relative and we hope that this reward will encourage them to come forward and do the right thing by giving their information to us."

Anyone with information should contact the Operation Columbian investigation team on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, information can be sent to Freepost, Operation Columbian or e-mailed to operation.columbian@hampshire.pnn.police.uk