Reward offered in connection with unsolved murder in September 2000
Issued on 27/07/12 at 06:00 A £5,000 reward is being offered for information which helps catch and convict the offender of an unsolved murder.
Clifford John Clarke was found dead at his flat on High Street East, Uppingham on Sunday September 10, 2000. He had been stabbed to death.
Now, as part a review by the East Midlands Regional Review Unit, new forensic techniques which were not around at the time of Mr Clarke’s death have unveiled information which officer’s hope will help solve the case.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Castle, senior investigating officer, said: “It is now nearly 12-years since this murder happened and it could be that someone out there has information which could prove vital to our enquiry.
“This was a horrific attack. Somebody may know something but they have never come forward or were reluctant to provide information when they were initially spoken to.
“A lot could have changed for people in the past 12 years. People may now be married and have children, but at the back of their mind they could still be holding on to some information about Mr Clarke’s murder.
“I would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward and contact us, before we contact you. What you know could help solve this murder.
“I want to be able to offer closure to the family of Mr Clarke who have spent the past 12 years not knowing who was responsible for his death. Despite the time that has lapsed since the incident I would like to reassure the community in Uppingham that the case has never been closed and every effort will be made to find those responsible.”
Shortly after Mr Clarke’s death detectives revealed they had found three pieces of evidence which they believed were significant to the enquiry. They were a small vegetable knife with ‘Made in Japan’ on the blade and some keys on a chain. Both were found in a drain about a quarter of a mile from Mr Clarke’s home.
A shoe print was also found in the blood in his flat.
DCI Castle continued: “Forensic science in particular has come on in recent years and there are now new techniques around which were not available to us at the time of the incident.
“As part of our periodic review we have reviewed all of the exhibits and in light of the forensic advances some new information has come to light.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 and quote Operation Magnet.
National charity Crimestoppers, are offering a reward of up to £5,000 to anyone who provides information to Crimestoppers which leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone linked to the offence.
The reward will be available to anyone providing information to Crimestoppers leading to the arrest & conviction of any person or persons linked to the above incident. Any information given directly to the police will not qualify.
Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
