A YEAR on from his death, the family of murdered Basildon man Terry Leeks say the last year has been "hell".

To mark the anniversary they have called for anyone who has information about his murder to come forward.

Mr Leeks was fatally assaulted in Northlands Park, Basildon and police say they are continuing to work to get justice for his family. Officers have been carrying out an extensive investigation which has seen a total of 13 people arrested.

Four of those people – two men aged 19 and 20 and two boys aged 15 and 17 – arrested on suspicion of his murder remain released under investigation.

Terry's parents said: "The last year has been hell really, we're just trying to get through it one day at a time. He didn't deserve that, he really didn't.

"We just can't believe that no-one has come forward. Somebody must know something, we don't know how they can live with themselves.

"He wasn't an angel but he had a kind heart. He would do anything for you. He'd help anyone, if he could do something for someone then he would.

"If anyone knows anything, no matter how small, after all this time, please just come forward.

"It's not going to bring him back but it would just help get justice for him".

Independent charity Crimestoppers has renewed its reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible, and increased it to £20,000.

As part of a new appeal, police have released the last known footage of Mr Leeks alive – CCTV of him cycling into Northlands Park moments before he was attacked.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who's leading the investigation, said: "Information from the public is going to be key to bringing to justice those responsible for Terry's murder.

"It's been a year since he died but the passing of time has not dimmed the pain his family are feeling.

"It's so important for us to be able to give them the justice they deserve.

"The answers to this case are in the community.

"It doesn't matter how insignificant you feel the piece of information you have, please report it and let us decide. It could be the key piece of the jigsaw.

"If you're worried about speaking to us, we can protect you. We can put measures in place to safeguard you both during the investigation and at court.

"And if you don't feel comfortable speaking to us, report what you know to Crimestoppers.

"They don't ask your name or any personal details, they don't record your call and your number is never displayed.

"When information is passed to the police, it doesn't contain any information which could identify you."

If you have any information you can contact Crimestoppers by phone on 0800 555 111 or via their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/   

If you want to report information to us you can do it by calling 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/136379/21.

You can report it online at https://www.essex.police.uk where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.