The family of an artist murdered with a claw hammer at a million pound home she was house-sitting said she was a “big kid at heart”.

Speaking this evening on Crimewatch, Tim Wood paid tribute to his mother Valerie Graves.

His sister Jemima Harrison added: “We always did Christmas as a family so we were always together.

“Birthday celebrations in the morning and Christmas in the afternoon.

“I know we were important to mum.”

Nigel Acres, the partner of Miss Graves’ sister, added: “We couldn’t comprehend how it could happen – and we were asleep in the house at the time.”

Miss Graves, 55, was found dead with significant head and facial injuries at a house in Smugglers Lane, Bosham, on Monday, December 30.

She and other members of her family had been staying at the property house sitting while the owners were away over the Christmas period.

Detective Superintendent Nick May from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, appeared in the BBC studio and made a fresh appeal for information including details about the murder weapon a claw weapon.

He said: "We know that a hammer is not usually used by burglars and the murderer would have known the amount of harm they could inflict on someone with the hammer, when they entered the house.

"It is likely that this person would have a history of violence and this would be known to someone close to them or to a professional who has worked with them, either now or in the past.

"We are still appealing for information. This is about a catching a killer who is still at large. Whether it's a personal or professional relationship you have with this person, we need you to come forward and stop this happening again. Valerie's family deserve to know what happened."

Police would like to hear from anyone who say anything suspicious or unusual in the area from the afternoon of Sunday, December 29, to 10am on Monday, December 30.

They are offering a reward of £10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Anyone with information should ring 101 quoting Operation Ensign or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

 

Watch a video of Valerie Graves' family on Crimewatch