DETECTIVES hunting the killer of a man found dead three years ago have made a fresh appeal for information.

Bachelor David Williamson, 58, was discovered with fatal head injuries in a lane just a few hundred yards from his home in Sutton-on-the-Forest, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, on March 26, 2001.

James Payling, 20, of Kirkgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, was found not guilty of his murder at Leeds Crown Court in July last year.

Detective Inspector Kevin Ross, who is leading the investigation into Mr Williamson's murder, said anyone with information who had not yet come forward should get in touch.

He said: "Time moves on and after three years people may think we are no longer interested in this case. That is far from the truth. I would dearly like to speak to anyone who thinks they can help us.

"Things change and perhaps there is someone out there who didn't speak to us back then out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. Perhaps someone didn't tell us everything they knew.

"I would be willing to meet and speak personally with you if that is the case.

"Equally, even now there might be someone who has never spoken to the police about what they know. Better late than never.

"I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say we still believe we can bring this case to a satisfactory solution. Please help us."

Mr Williamson's father, Ike, died a few months ago. His mother, Olive, is still hoping that the mystery of her son's murder will be solved.