A POLICE cold case unit is to re-open the probe into the murder of 83-year-old ex-Army colonel Robert Riley Workman. Lt Col was shot dead on the doorstep of his cottage in The Causeway, Furneux Pelham, on January 7, 2004. Three years on and despite exten

A POLICE cold case unit is to re-open the probe into the murder of 83-year-old ex-Army colonel Robert Riley Workman.

Lt Col was shot dead on the doorstep of his cottage in The Causeway, Furneux Pelham, on January 7, 2004.

Three years on and despite extensive inquiries that have taken detectives around the world, Mr Workman's killer has still not been found.

Det Chief Insp Colin Sparrow, who led the investigation, said: "This has been one of the most complex and high profile murders we have dealt with in Hertfordshire in recent years.

"Our investigation has taken us through many different lines of enquiry all of which have required thorough and sensitive research and tenacity."

Since the murder, a team of detectives from the constabulary's Major Crime Task Force has worked tirelessly to piece together Mr Workman's life and searched for clues to help solve the case.

Mr Sparrow said: "I have always been optimistic that we will find the reason behind the brutal death and that will in turn lead us to the offender and I remain positive that this will happen.

"The Cold Case Review team has expertise in investigating historic crimes and I am hopeful that their experience and fresh outlook will keep a focus on this case over the weeks and months to come."

The Cold Case Review Unit regularly re-examines some of the force's most challenging unsolved enquiries and the unit will now test and re-examine evidence and any new evidence that may come to light.

Mr Sparrow added: "No murder investigation in Herts is ever completely closed and this is one example of an inquiry that will be constantly reviewed until we catch those responsible.