Anniversary appeal to trace killer

David Lees

The parents of Middleton man David Lees, who was murdered last year, have made a fresh appeal for information in the run up to the one-year anniversary of their son's death.

David, aged 23, died in hospital in the early hours of Saturday 28 October 2006, after he was deliberately hit by a car on Middleton Road, Prestwich outside a petrol station.

David had been out with friends when they became involved in the disturbance with a group of Asian men.

A man wearing a hooded top was seen getting into a silver Vauxhall Vectra, registration number T313 NCR. The car sped up to about 60 to 70mph before it drove directly towards David who was standing in the middle of the road.

Following the incident, the car was driven to the gates at Heaton Park on Middleton Road where the driver met with friends in other cars before heading to south Manchester.

Detectives have made extensive inquiries into the murder and but still need to trace the Vectra and the driver who knocked David down.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Haworth, leading the murder investigation, said: "This has been a lengthy and detailed investigation and we remain committed to find David's killer.

"We have already successfully convicted the owner of the Vauxhall Vectra after he lied about selling the car on.

"I would ask anyone who knows the identity of the driver and occupants of the car to come forward. These people cannot be allowed to get away with what they have done. All we need is for one person to be brave enough to come forward and do the right thing so we can bring the people responsible before the courts and give his family the justice they deserve."

Heywood and Middleton Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: "On this first anniversary of David’s death our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family. 

"The criminals that carried out this tragic murder must be caught and I urge anyone with information to come forward.
  
“It is clear that the BNP are trying to use this tragic death to create division and hatred towards minorities, let me be clear we have good community cohesion and we will not allow bigots to try to disrupt this.

"Only through helping the police will the killers be brought to justice.

"We should all ensure we say no to the BNP.”

Anyone with any information about the murder is asked to contact the Incident Room on 0161 856 4711 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.