Detectives investigating the 2007 death of a man are renewing their appeal for public assistance as their inquiries continue to find those responsible for his death.

About 4.30pm on Monday 12 March 2007, 87-year-old Frank Newbery was found slumped behind the counter of his take away and grocery store on Union Street, Cooks Hill, suffering severe head injuries.

He died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Mr Newbery had been the owner of the business – ‘Frank’s Ham & Beef’ – for more than 50 years.

Strike Force Rynan was established to investigate the matter; however despite an extensive investigation that followed many different lines of inquiry, those responsible were not identified.

An inquest was held into the death in August 2012, where the Deputy State Coroner returned an open finding. The inquest found that Mr Newbery had died after being attacked in his store, but failed to identify any suspects.

Newcastle detectives are continuing with their inquiries into the death and are renewing their public appeal for assistance.

While they believe that ‘robbery gone wrong’ has always appeared to be the most likely scenario, they will consider and explore all possibilities; including that the incident could have been a deliberate attack upon Mr Newbery.

Police wish to remind the public the New South Wales Government issued a $100,000 reward in October 2007 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Any information can be given to Crime Stoppers or via Newcastle City Police Station directly on (02) 4929 0999.