Family’s plea to find man who murdered their dad

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A desperate family has issued an emotional appeal to find their dad’s killer – nearly 10 years after his death.

Albert Bishop, 74, who was also known as Taffy, was brutally attacked outside his home a decade ago but no one has ever been charged with his murder.

Amanda Reynolds, Mr Bishop’s daughter, said: “For our family it doesn’t seem like a decade since dad was attacked because it is still so raw in our minds.

“Dad was an eccentric and wellliked man who cared deeply for his family and we all still miss him dearly.

“Not knowing what really happened that day adds to our pain. Someone must know something and if they have any decency, they’ll come forward.”

His other daughter, Sarah Bishop, added: “It’s hard knowing that the person who attacked our dad is probably still at large.

“To lose your parent in such circumstances is traumatic, and the lack of justice adds to the anguish.

“I hope the 10-year anniversary of this horrendous attack will trigger someone’s memory or conscience, and they will come forward with information.”

On the morning of the assault, on March 18, 2007, Mr Bishop had been at the Ashford market on the Orbital Park where he helped at a grocery stall, which also sold imported cigarettes.

When he returned to his Hythe Road home about midday, he was attacked in the hallway by a man wielding a hammer.

His daughter Sarah came home just minutes later and found him seriously injured.

After the attack, Mr Bishop told detectives his attacker was a white man in his 50s who stole about £700 of cash from him and left with it in a blue Nike rucksack containing his grandson’s work boots.

Mr Bishop suffered serious arm and head injuries and was treated at several hospitals in both Kent and Essex.

He was subsequently discharged with ongoing medical treatment, but had a fall at home on June 30 fracturing his femur.

He was hospitalised and operated on, but died of his injuries at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on July 13.

As his death was deemed to have been directly caused by his assault, a Home Office pathologist ruled it should be treated as murder.

Since his death, Kent Police have continued with investigations, but the case remains unsolved.

A force spokesman said: “Unsolved cases such as this one are subject to regular reviews by the Cold Case Team.

“There have been no arrests at this stage and no new developments. However, this case will continue to be reviewed by officers who will explore any new information or evidence that comes to light.

“Anyone with any new information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, should contact Kent Police on 101.”

Albert Bishop was murdered in 2007