Detectives today appealed for information about a stolen car they believe was used by the killers of Pudsey pensioner John Nutter.

The stolen dark blue-green Volvo car, registration L230 RWT was abandoned in Birklea Street, West Bowling, Bradford, about an hour after the late-night attack on Mr Nutter at his home on Monday, July 20.

It had been stolen from an address in Bramhope, Leeds, the previous Saturday or Sunday.

Three masked men had burst into Mr Nutter's home in Woodhall Park Crescent West, Pudsey, in an attack which left him dead and his sister-in-law Mary Skilton, 56, needing 12 stitches in a head wound.

Both were sprayed in the face and Mr Nutter was beaten to the floor. Both had their gold Rolex watches stolen.

An unnamed organisation has offered a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Mr Nutter's killers.

Today, Detective Chief Inspector Max McLean said he strongly believed the car was used by the killers.

He appealed for information from anyone who may have seen the car from the time it was stolen to the time it was abandoned in West Bowling.

He said it could have been seen being driven around in either Bramhope or West Bowling before the attack and witnesses could have vital information.

Mr Nutter, a widower, was over 6ft tall, and was a retired poultry auctioneer.

It is believed he died of shock although a post-mortem examination has failed to establish an exact cause.

Earlier this month Mrs Skilton, his companion for 15 years, revealed how she had been left traumatised by his death.

"I can't trust anyone now," she said in an emotional appeal for people to help find his killers.

"Anyone who knows anything I beg you: please, please tell us."

The incident room can be contacted on (01274) 376918.

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