THE mother of murder victim James Attfield says she still has faith police will find her son’s killer.

Police will be out in force today to renew their appeal for information.

The 33-year-old father-of-five was found with 102 stab wounds between Castle Park, Guildford Road and East Street on a riverside path a year ago.

A van with James’s picture and Crimestoppers’ number will also be driving around town centre streets to encourage people to come forward with information.

Det Chief Supt Steve Worron said: “We have spent 100,000 hours on this investigation. We are committed to working with Jim’s family to get the answers that will help us find the killer or killers.”

Mr Worron revealed there is still forensic evidence and CCTV to review, and further statements to take and more people to question.

He said: “There have been a significant number of officers and staff in Colchester working on this, and there will be a significant number over this weekend.

“It is almost one year on and this is a priority.

“James’ family are trying to rebuild their lives. I am absolutely convinced people in the local community have information which would help us find his killer or killers.”

Julie Finch, James’s mum, said “I have every faith someone will be found. I have faith in the police and I have faith in people.

“It is going to take time, but I believe we will get justice.”

Detectives have renewed their appeal for three key witnesses - a man and woman spotted on a bench close to where James was found with 102 stab wounds, and a female Facebook friend who police believe he had sung karaoke with.

He was killed between 10.10pm on Friday, March 28 and 6am on Saturday, March 29.

Paramedics tried to save him after he was found but it was too late.

Mr Worron praised the support from charity partners Crimestoppers who renewed a £10,000 reward for information.

He said: “There are still lines on enquiry, still things we are working through.

“There are people out there who have information who may think it is relevant, people who have a loyalty to someone but think about the impact this has had on his family.

“He was a 33-year-old who was rebuilding his life.

“James was not linked to any crime, there is no clear motive but someone out there has information.”

Ms Finch said: “For me the biggest question of all is why?

“That is what I keep asking.

“Why would anyone want to do that to anybody let alone Jim.

“He was so vulnerable and did not have an enemy in the world.”

Anyone with information call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

See today’s Gazette for eight pages of coverage on the murder, subsequent investigation, interviews with family, officers, experts and more.