A cold case that has stumped police for more than three decades could finally be solved thanks to an anonymous tip.
Ricky Haywood Shot Dead in Southampton Flat
Richard “Ricky” Haywood was just 36 when he was gunned down in his flat above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road, Southampton, on October 16, 1989. Shot multiple times at close range, his killer has never been caught despite decades of relentless police work.
New Leads Spark Fresh Hope
Officers have dug back through thousands of reports and re-interviewed over 200 witnesses—both old and new. The key? An anonymous tip sent to Crimestoppers in 2004 that’s now being revisited alongside new evidence.
Senior Investigating Officer Elizabeth Brunt said: “When we received this information back in 2004 it was just one fragment which, alone, didn’t add much to the investigation. However, together with new information we’ve gathered, it is now starting to build a clearer picture. We need to speak to the person who contacted us back then. Was this you? Please come forward again—even anonymously.”
£20,000 Reward for Info Leading to Arrest
Crimestoppers is dangling a £20,000 carrot for anonymous tips that result in an arrest and conviction. Investigators believe Ricky’s murder involved at least one accomplice and are urging anyone with even the smallest scrap of information to speak up now.
Elizabeth Brunt added: “For 36 years, Ricky’s family have lived without answers. It’s time to change that. Don’t stay silent. Do it for Ricky’s loved ones.”
Beth Simpson, Crimestoppers South Central West Regional Manager, said: “Someone out there holds the final piece. Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity. Calls and online forms are never traced. If you remember anything, now is the time to speak up.”
How to Help Crack the Case
- Call police on 101 quoting Operation Tango / 44080416574
- Submit tips online at https://orlo.uk/u96V3
- Ring Crimestoppers anonymously anytime on 0800 555 111
- Visit crimestoppers-uk.org
Only tips given exclusively to Crimestoppers qualify for the £20,000 reward. The offer ends 1 January 2026. Don’t let 36 years of silence continue—come forward today.
