The sister of a Stretford man who was murdered in his own home 10 years ago, has made an emotional plea for witnesses on the anniversary of his death.


On March 24 2004 Andrew Boland, known as ‘Bo’, was in his house on Brigade Drive when two masked men knocked on the door – his partner's nine-year-old son answered.
 

One of the men pointed a gun at the boy’s head and said: "Go upstairs before I shoot you."


They walked into the lounge, where they threatened Andrew, before shooting him once in the chest.
 

They then ran out and drove off in a waiting car.


Andrew was rushed to Trafford General Hospital but died shortly afterwards.
Since Andrew's murder, detectives have followed a number of lines inquiry but no firm evidence has been forthcoming to charge anyone.


Today, March 24, Andrew's sister Debbie Boland has made an appeal to those with crucial information to come forward.


Debbie said: "For ten years we have suffered as a family.
 

“Not only have we had to try and deal with the upset and emotional trauma caused by my brother’s murder, we have had to endure the frustration of knowing that those responsible have never been brought to justice.
 

"We believe someone in the Stretford and Altrincham area knows who is responsible and I would beg those with information to come forward and speak to police for the sake of our family.
 

“A reward is also on offer to those who provide information that leads to the conviction of those responsible."
 

Bob Ashton, from the Cold Case Review Unit said: "Although no one has been brought to justice over Andrew's murder, this case is not closed.


“However, we are reliant on information coming forward to help us progress with the investigation.


"This was a brutal murder, witnessed by his partner and the gunshot heard by her son, who was upstairs after being threatened at gunpoint.


"Andrew was a well-known figure in the Stretford and Sale areas and for years, rumours have circulated of who the offenders are.
 

“However, we cannot prosecute on rumours alone and we need that vital evidence to come to light.


"We believe there are people who know who is responsible and I would appeal to them to come forward and break this wall of silence.
 

"Andrew's family have been suffering for ten years and although any prosecution would not totally heal their pain, it would certainly help them to know that his killers are behind bars.
 

"I understand that people may be frightened or concerned about speaking to us but I can assure them that the information they supply will be treated with the strictest of confidence."
 

Anyone with any information on Andrew's murder is asked to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.