A widow says she is still in limbo, 18 months after the brutal murder of her husband, while his killer roams free.

On Wednesday November 21, 2001 auto-electrician Brian Hardwick was gunned down at his workplace and robbed of his wallet, purse, pendant and chain.

Despite an appeal for information on TV's Crimewatch and more than 1,000 people being interviewed by police, Lynne said the public response had been poor.

"It's been very disappointing," said Lynne, 52. "I think the only way this will be solved is by someone's conscience pricking and them calling the police.

"Sometimes I get despondent because obviously the police have cut down the manpower on the case.

"But there are two detectives working on it all the time and they ring me up every so often and let me know where they are with it.

"I am quietly confident that one day I'll get that phone call to say there's somebody in custody."

The couple, who were members of the Range Riders Country and Western Club, had only been married for six months when Mr Hardwick was shot.

"It's not getting any easier to cope with what happened," said Lynne, a word processor for Bradford Council.

"People tell me that on the surface I am doing well, but it is still a very lonely life to come home to an empty house with only my cat."

Lynne and Brian had planned a trip to Texas and Arizona this year. Now Lynne's 27-year-old son Christopher is taking her to America in November.

"My son is very good to me and we are very close," said Lynne. "He asked me if I wanted to go with him in Brian's memory, so we are going to New York for a week."

Mr Hardwick, a father-of-two from Wibsey, was found dead at his workplace, Huddersfield Car Electricals in Colne Road, early on November 22 2001.

He was last seen alive at 5.35pm the previous day by colleagues. He had been washing his hands ready to leave, but later took his vehicle back to change a flat tyre.

Detective Inspector Steve Hepplestone said: "We still have lines of inquiry which we are actively pursuing.

"We will never give up because this was a very serious crime and we will not let it go unsolved."

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Hardwick died from two gunshot wounds to the head and chest from a small calibre weapon. Ring the police on (01484) 436702 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you can help.