THREE years after David Williamson was murdered in North Yorkshire, the police are still searching for his killer.

Mr Williamson, 58, was found lying unconscious with a fractured skull in a lane a few hundred yards from his home in Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold on March 26, 2001.

He had been struck from behind with a blunt instrument as he walked home from The Star Inn, in Huby, and he later died in Leeds General Infirmary.

Detective Inspector Kevin Ross, who is heading the inquiry into Mr Williamson's death said: "There are still unanswered questions. David's killer has never been brought to justice."

He said David's father, Isaac, of Huntington, had died a few months ago without ever knowing who had killed his son. And David's elderly mother, Olive, and the rest of the Williamson family still hope the murder will be solved.

He said: "In July 2003, a man was cleared of his murder at Leeds Crown Court in a controversial court case."

Det Insp Ross added: "Despite this, police who worked on the case are still looking for that vital clue that will lead them to positively identify David's killer and provide the Williamson family with the answers they so badly need to know."

DI Ross urged anyone with any information about the murder to come forward.

"It's better late than never. Perhaps there is someone out there who didn't speak to us back then out of a misplaced sense of loyalty," he said.

He added he would be willing to talk face-to-face with anyone who might be able to help their enquiry.

Anyone with any information should contact DI Ross on (01904) 631321.

Updated: 11:12 Wednesday, March 31, 2004