THE Crimestoppers charity has offered a £10,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder of Basildon man Terry Leeks.

Mr Leeks, 46, died after being stabbed in Northlands Park in Pitsea in the early hours of July 11.

Essex Police investigations, which have included repeated pleas to the public, have struggled to make progress in terms of gathering information and now the charity hopes it can help by offering the reward.

A spokesperson for Crimestoppers said: "Terry was described by his parents as kind-hearted and as someone who would do anything for anyone.

"We believe that people in the Basildon area have important information that can help explain what happened to him and who is responsible.

"His family and friends deserve answers and justice for his murder and this is why Crimestoppers is offering this reward and has launched this appeal.

"If you have any information on Terry's murder, then please contact our charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our non-traceable anonymous online form.

"At Crimestoppers we guarantee that everyone who contacts us stays 100 per cent anonymous. Always. In over 33 years this promise has always been kept. No-one will ever know you contacted us and it could be your information that makes the difference. So please, speak up and tell us what you know.

"Information passed directly to police will not qualify for any rewards. Only information passed to Crimestoppers using our untraceable anonymous online form or via our 0800 555 111 freephone number will qualify."

Six remain on bail, two have been released under investigation, and one has been told they face no further action.