THE death of Cindeford man Shaun James is now being treated as ‘cold blooded’ murder.

Shaun was 32 when he was run over in a lane off of Steam Mills Road on December 15 2002 – 12 years ago.

Following a reconstruction and appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch programme last night, Thursday, a £5000 reward is being offered for information that leads to a conviction.

Police who investigated the case at the time believed the incident was a hit and run traffic collision but were unable to identify the driver.

Now, with the benefit of enhanced investigative techniques and new information that has come to light over the years, a recent review of all forensic and witness evidence has convinced the officer in charge of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) that Shaun was taken to Steam Mills Road in a vehicle before being deliberately run over and killed.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Porter said: “Shaun James was not the unfortunate victim of a road traffic collision but the victim of a cold blooded murder “When he left the Upper Bilson Inn around 6.45pm that night he was walking home in the opposite direction to Steam Mills Road. He was last spotted talking to the driver of a white Ford Transit type van in Valley Road.

“We believe something happened there between Shaun and the driver of that van - an argument, altercation or something resulting in Shaun’s shoe and tobacco being separated from him and he was then taken in the van to the lane off Steam Mills Road where he was deliberately run over and killed.

“Shaun was caught underneath the underside of the vehicle and dragged some 65 metres along the lane before he became free and remained in the lane until his lifeless body was found just after 7pm. Shortly before this there was a further sighting of a white ford transit type van leaving the lane at speed.

“For the sake of Shaun’s family, who have had to endure the anguish of twelve years of not knowing what happened to him or who was responsible, I would urge people, particularly in the local community, who know something but haven’t come forward to do the right thing.

“If you know anything about this white Ford Transit type van or remember seeing it in either Valley Road or Steam Mills Road at the time please call us straight away.

“You can ring the inquiry team directly on 01452 754544, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.”

The local policing team will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area over the next week and handing out leaflets across Cinderford as part of the investigation.

People can also approach officers who will be staffing the mobile police station at the triangle near The High Street in Cinderford over the next few days.