CCTV footage of a white van believed to be linked to the murder of Cinderford man Shaun James has been issued by police.

Cold case detectives investigating the murder have issued previously unreleased footage of a white van they now believe could have been the vehicle used by the killer.

The development comes on the twelfth anniversary of Shaun’s death and officers are hoping the images will prompt more people to come forward with information.

In particular it is hoped that several people who have called in anonymously will phone the incident room again to help the inquiry.

Shaun was 32 when he was run over in Steam Mills Road on the evening of December 15, 2002.

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, following a cold case review of all forensic and witness evidence by the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), the officer in charge of the case says he is convinced Shaun was taken in a van to Steam Mills Road before being deliberately run over and killed.

Earlier this month a Crimewatch appeal reconstructed the events on the evening of Shaun’s death and a police reward of £5,000 was announced for information that leads to a conviction.

Detective chief inspector Steve Porter said: “After reviewing all the CCTV from the time we’ve recovered footage of a white van in the centre of Cinderford immediately after the incident.

“It is seen a number of times between 7.07pm and 7.30pm, firstly in Cinderford High Street and then parking and leaving the Co-op car park in Dockham Road.

“We’re now working to enhance the images to pick up any wording on the sides and the registration number and occupant of the vehicle but if anyone recognises the van I would urge them to call us straight away.

“We’ve had over 30 calls since the Crimewatch programme and we are still following up a number of inquiries from these.

“However there were several very interesting calls from people who wished to remain anonymous and have said they are scared to identify themselves or come forward with more information.

“I would like to make a personal plea to those people to phone us back.

“We understand Cinderford is a tight knit community but I can reassure you that we have trained detectives answering the calls and that they will be able to explain how we can deal with any fears you have.

“Remember Shaun’s family - it’s 12 years to the day since Shaun died. Their suffering has gone on long enough. They need to know who did this and why. Please do the right thing and come forward.

“Officers will be staffing the mobile police station in Cinderford for the next few days and handing out leaflets appealing for information.

“I can also reassure the community that we are exploring every avenue to solve this crime.

“To indicate the scale of what we have done I can tell you we have generated over 2,400 documents since the investigation began and over 1,500 actions have been generated for officers to follow up.”

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 01452 754544.

The video can be downloaded here: http://we.tl/n4Dg4NRFYB