A VILLAGE “has never been the same” since a pensioner was murdered, according to a community leader speaking nine-years on from the brutal killing.

The hunt to find the person who savagely beat 90-year-old widow Elsie Hughes in her own home, leaving her in a pool of blood, goes on.

Mrs Hughes was left for dead on the floor of her living room after she disturbed intruders in her home on Hawarden Road, Abermorddu, in September 2005.

She died of her horrific injuries the following day in Wrexham Maelor Hospital – and all for a mere stolen £200.

Her killers have never been found and investigating officers have renewed their appeal for witnesses.

Caergwrle councillor Stella Jones said: “It is very sad that nothing has ever been found. The village has not forgotten.

“I only ever met Elsie on the doorstep when I was new as a councillor.

“She was known as ‘Auntie Elsie’ to most when she served the school dinners.

“It was so shocking that the village has never been the same again.

“It is often talked about and very, very sad.”

A close friend of Mrs Hughes, who knew the pensioner for 50 years, said she remembered the September night nine years ago “like it was yesterday”.

The 91-year-old, who asked not to be named, described her friend as a “lovely woman” who will “never be forgotten”. “We think about Elsie every day. She was a lovely person and a very close friend,” she said.

“She was friends with everyone. Nine years on and it still makes me wary of who is about.”

The grandmother-of-three, said she remembered a neighbour coming down the path and telling her what had happened.

“I remember that night very clearly – like it was yesterday,” she added. “We were all flabbergasted.”

The death triggered a major but so far unsuccessful police search but Chief Supt Neill Anderson, of North Wales Police, said: “The investigation continues to be reviewed and I would ask the community that if anyone has any information to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”