The family of a man murdered in Colchester nearly 16 years ago have urged the public to come forward with information as a reward of up £2,000 has been offered to help trace a man suspected of the killing.

The independent charity Crimestoppers has put up the reward in connection with the murder of Grant Byrom who was aged 30 when he was fatally stabbed at Forest Road on Boxing Day 1998.

This week, as Mr Byrom’s grandson Tyler celebrates his first birthday, the family described life without Grant and issued an emotional appeal for his killer to be brought to justice.

A/DCI Anne Cameron, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Grant’s family were devastated by his death and each year there are constant reminders at family events he is missing from.

"He would have been so proud to become a grandfather and be at his grandson's first birthday party on September 12, but for nearly 16 years the family has had to grow up without him.

"They are determined to see justice done and have called on anyone with information to call Essex Police.”

Suzanne Martin, the mother of Grant's children, said: ""We have always known him as Granny or Granski, and in memory of him, our two children, Dean and Tanya and their children Maisie and Tyler took on his surname of Byrom.

"Due to the circumstances of Granny’s murder I just didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to him, I think about him all the time and talk about him every day."

Detectives are continuing to search for Michael Donnelly, 67, who lived in Colchester but is believed to have left the UK after the murder of Mr Byrom.

A/DCI Cameron added: "Mr Donnelly is wanted in connection with the murder investigation but police have never been able to find him to talk to him about his version of events on that evening in 1998.

"We have made regular enquiries to trace Mr Donnelly but we are certain that he no longer lives in the UK.

"We also want to hear from anyone who has any information about Mr Donnelly’s whereabouts. I am also very keen to hear from anyone who may have further information about the murder of Mr Byrom.”

Anyone who can help should contact Essex Police on 101 or call Colchester Major Crime office on 01206 576845.