Police issue new towpath murder inquiry appeal

Robert Brown used to work in his family's fruit and vegetable shops in Northampton

Officers investigating a murder on a towpath have urged possible witnesses to come forward "as a matter of urgency".

Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the death of Robert Brown in Northampton last month.

The 57-year-old was discovered by a member of the public beside the River Nene, between Wathen Wigg Bridge and Beckets Bridge, in Northampton on 1 August.

A number of people have been arrested in connection with the investigation but no-one has been charged.

Mr Brown was found on a bench by the towpath behind Auctioneers' Court at about 06:30 BST, and although an ambulance was called he could not be saved.

Northamptonshire Police said a dedicated team had been working tirelessly, interviewing suspects, reviewing CCTV footage and extensive house-to-house inquiries.

This CCTV picture has been released of Mr Brown shopping in Morrisons on the night he died

In a statement the force said: "We know that there are people in the area who have not yet come forward and we would urge anyone who used this route on Thursday, 31 July into the early hours of Friday, 1 August, to come forward.

"Where Robert was found is a popular route with people walking to and from Sixfields and the town centre, and they may not realise it, but it is possible they saw or heard something which could help us with the investigation.

"Any little detail may help us piece together what happened to Robert."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Detectives examined the area between Wathen Wigg Bridge and Beckett's Bridge in Northampton