A MAN has been arrested over the execution-style murder of a jeweller who was killed while lying in his bathtub more than three decades ago.
Richard Haywood, known as Ricky, was 36 when he was found dead at his flat above Ambiance Jewellers in Southampton, on October 16, 1989.
The breakthrough comes after detectives reopened the cold case last year using advances in forensic science and launched a fresh appeal for information.
A 55-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday and remains in police custody.
Ricky’s killing has remained one of Hampshire’s most notorious unsolved murders for almost 37 years.
The respected gold dealer was discovered slumped in his bath after being shot several times in what detectives have long believed was a targeted attack.
A 1990 Crimewatch investigation revealed that Ricky was likely shot with an old and worn .22 revolver.
He had apparently been negotiating a deal for a three-acre farm property near Southampton but faced mounting debts.
Superintendent Ray Piper said at the time that Ricky “mixed with some rather shady characters” and had bought stolen property.
Two men were said to have fled from the Southampton area in a suspicious way.
Cops jetted to the US to speak to a lag in an American jail about Ricky’s murder.
Four people were arrested – but no one has ever been charged over the killing.
Ricky’s mum Phyllis went into hiding after his murder for fear her son’s killers were also after her.
She also offered up thousands of pounds as a reward for information but died without knowing who killed her son.
His family have spent decades searching for answers, while police have repeatedly appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
Last year officers revealed they were using new forensic techniques in a bid to crack the case.
They teamed up with Crimestoppers to offer a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Detectives also appealed over a mystery phone call made to Ricky’s sister shortly after his death, believing it could hold the key to solving the murder.
Police believe there are people who know exactly what happened but have never spoken to officers.
Following Tuesday’s arrest, Hampshire Constabulary said: “As our investigation continues we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, your information could be vital.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Tango.
The £20,000 Crimestoppers reward remains available until August 14 for information given exclusively and directly to the charity that leads to a conviction.
In an emotional statement released through police last year, Ricky’s sister said: “We cannot express enough the huge impact Ricky’s death has had on us.
“The pain never goes away. My mum never had peace and it slowly ate away at her.
“She went to her grave never knowing who committed this awful crime.
“I, as Ricky’s sister, have to live with the pain of his murder and knowing how my mum suffered too.”
Detectives hope Tuesday’s arrest marks the beginning of long-awaited justice for Ricky and his devastated family after nearly four decades of unanswered questions.
