A CASH bounty has been offered in a desperate bid to catch a murdered pensioner's killer.

The Crimestoppers charity has stumped up £10,000 as detectives continue their investigation into the death of Malcolm Ballantyne.

The 72-year-old, known as Malky, was found at his home in Glebe Place, Saltcoats.

He was discovered by a family member shortly after 1pm on Friday August 21.

Police returned to the scene and carried out an operation in a bid "jog the memories" of local residents.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham of the Major Investigation Team, is leading the murder inquiry.

He said: "Mr Ballantyne was an upstanding member of the community.

"His family, as well as those who knew him, have been left completely devastated by this horrendous crime.

"They deserve to know who is responsible for his death and why.

"It has now been a week since Mr Ballantyne was brutally murdered in his own home and at this time we have nothing to suggest a particular motive for the attack.

"A team of highly experienced officers from the Major Investigation Team are continuing their inquiries in the area, as well as working with other uniformed and specialist staff from across Police Scotland.

"I am confident that the answers to what happened to Mr Ballantyne lie within the local community.

"It is vitally important that anyone with information contacts us immediately."

Mr Ballantyne's relatives have also appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

His son, also Malcolm said: "If anyone knows anything, let us know.

"My dad was a good man, he did no one wrong."

Angela Parker, Crimestoppers National Manager for Scotland, said: "Malcolm was a well-liked, well respected man within the community and this is why we and the police are at a loss as to why someone would have committed this callous crime."

Mr Ballantyne was a "well-liked" and "respected" member of the community and no motive has been established for the attack.

Police also want to speak to anyone who might have seen the victim the day before his death.

DCI Cunningham added: "If you were near Glebe Place in the hours running up to when Mr Ballantyne was discovered and saw anything suspicious or if you have any information about his death please get in touch with officers.

"We are also still trying to establish the movements of Mr Ballantyne on the day before he was murdered and want to speak to everyone that was in his company on Thursday August 20.

"You may think what you know is insignificant but let us be the judge of that.

"No matter how minor your information is it could be that critical piece that helps lead us to whoever is responsible."

A dedicated phone number - 01563 505172 - has been set up for anyone with information about Mr Ballantyne’s death.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111, where all calls will be kept anonymous.