DETECTIVES investigating the death of Valerie Graves have renewed their appeal for information as the fifth anniversary of her murder approaches this month.

On December 30, 2013, the 55-year-old mother and grandmother was found brutally murdered in her bedroom in Smugglers Lane, Bosham.

She had been staying at the property while the owners were away over the Christmas period.

A detailed investigation, including extensive forensic search of the crime scene, allowed detectives to obtain a limited DNA profile. Although not suitable for a search on the National DNA Database, they indicated the suspect is male.

In 2015 Sussex Police launched its biggest voluntary mass DNA screening in its history by asking all men aged over 17 who live, work or visit Bosham to provide a DNA sample to eliminate them from the inquiry.

To date, detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team have taken 2,819 DNA samples from men from Bosham or associated to the enquiry in some other way.

Chief Superintendent Jason Taylor said: “Officers and staff from the investigation team remain determined to find Valerie’s killer five years on and to get justice for her and her family. We continue to do everything reasonably possible to achieve this.”

“We are still offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Valerie’s killer and I would ask anyone who has information to contact police.”

Valerie’s family said: “We would also urge anyone with any information about Valerie’s death to come forward and contact police or Crimestoppers.”

If anyone has information call 101 and quote Operation Ensign.