A family whose son died four years ago on holiday in Tenerife today called for the immediate suspension of the Chief Constable of Essex.

The Justice for Garry Walton Campaign claims despite evidence from witnesses, Essex Police have still not questioned the person identified in connection with Garry's death.

Campaigners say the 21-year-old Irishman was racially murdered in November 1996, on a pleasure boat, while on a holiday in the Canary Islands.

The Spanish authorities initially recorded the incident as an accident.

But the family said after an exhumation and second post-mortem examination in Ireland, the State Pathologist determined Garry had received several injuries before being thrown overboard.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Our position still remains. The Spanish authorities are currently conducting an investigation to which Essex Police are giving their full support."

He said if there was new information, police would be happy to receive it. In July 1997, the family say Greater Manchester Police obtained witness statements, signed under oath in court, from people on board the boat.

The family wants a thorough police investigation by the Race and Violent Crime Task Force at New Scotland Yard, the immediate suspension of the Chief Constable of Essex, a meeting with the Home Secretary and full disclosure of the Police Complaints Authority inquiry into the family's complaint.

Campaign organisers say: "The first witness named a Chelmsford man as Garry's murderer whilst a second witness testified that she had been present the morning after the incident when this same person boasted of killing Garry.

"In addition, other independent testimonies secured by the victim's family have stated that the suspect and two accomplices, had, after taking an immediate and entirely unwarranted dislike to Garry, subject him to several hours of harassment before his death to mounting abuse, ridicule, insults and taunting and had finally thrown drinks over him."

They are now demanding a through police investigation by the Race and Violent Crime Task Force at New Scotland Yard, the immediate suspension of the Chief Constable of Essex, a meeting with the Home Secretary to review the case and full disclosure of the Police Complaints Authority enquiry into the family's complaint.

In an open letter to Essex people, Alex Henry, on behalf of the Walton family, said: "We feel it to be our duty to inform you of this matter as the man accused of Garry's murder prepares to spend his fifth Christmas of freedom since the crime was committed, a situation which we think you will agree cannot be allowed to continue."

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