Police praise response to murder hunt appeal (From Warrington Guardian)

Police praise response to murder hunt appeal

DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Sandbach man Peter Harris have thanked the press and public for responding to a number of appeals for information.

As a result of the media appeal, a group of four females and a man and woman seen in Sandbach at the time of the murder have come forward.

Officers are now making a renewed appeal for two groups of people to contact them as part of the investigation, which is progressing well.

Police are particularly looking to trace two men who were seen walking in High Street past Iceland and the George pub at 11.30pm on August 4.

The men probably passed Peter Harris, who was walking on the same side of the road in the opposite direction.

Detectives also want to speak to a group of three males who were heard shouting at 2.30am the following morning.

Two of the males were wearing white shirts, and one was wearing a dark-coloured shirt.

DI Geoff Elvey, investigating officer, said. "I would like to thank the press and members of the public who have come forward as a result of the appeals.

"The investigation is making good progress, and if anyone has any information that can assist, they should contact us.

"The small piece of information that you hold, which you may feel is irrelevant or the police already know, may be that final piece to complete the jigsaw."

He continued: "There will be certain people within the community who have suspicions about who is responsible for the death of Mr Harris.

"A family has been deprived of a father and a child of a grandfather for no just reason.

"I believe that the police and the community need to work as partners to make our communities safe, and I therefore urge these people to contact us.

"We still need to speak to people who were out that evening, and anyone who can assist us in building up a picture of Peter Harris' lifestyle in the weeks leading up to his death.

"We have a dedicated team of detectives working on this case who are determined to bring those responsible to justice, no matter long it takes."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 458 0000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.