Appeal for missing man renewed on his birthday

2 December 2010, 06:00 | Updated: 2 December 2010, 12:17

Police and the family of Murray Thompson are renewing their appeal for information on what would have been his 35th birthday.

Murray has been missing since April 20, 2010. His work van was seen in St Albans Road/Leavesden Road in Watford close to the time he went missing. It was discovered in Robin Hood Drive in Bushey a fortnight later. Detectives located a flat in St Albans Road and believe this is the last place Murray visited.

Murray would have celebrated his 35th birthday today (Thursday December 2nd). His parents Geraldine Woodstock and Tony Thompson said:  “It’s been over seven months without our son and we are still devastated. The pain doesn’t get any easier.

“This will be the first time in 35 years that we will not see or speak to him on his birthday.  To mark the day we are spending the evening together, with both our partners and his girlfriend Rachel, because we felt we shouldn’t let the day pass without doing something.

“Both of us also have birthdays around this time of year so it is a particularly difficult time and as far as we are concerned, Christmas is cancelled. We won’t feel like celebrating and will both be having a quiet day.

“Words cannot describe how traumatic this has been for us and we are sure that there is someone who knows of Murray’s whereabouts. Put yourself in our shoes and think how you would feel. Do the right thing and call the police.”   

Murray’s parents are offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information about what has happened to him. They made a film appealing for information which you can view below.

Detective Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “I cannot comprehend the anguish Murray’s parents have gone through over the past seven months, particularly on the special events such as birthdays and Christmas.

“We have arrested a number of people in connection with Murray’s disappearance and we will continue to pursue those who may have been involved in his murder. We believe there are people not coming forward with vital information which will lead us to finding Murray and I would tell them that now is the time to come forward. Your piece of information, however small, could make a difference.”

Detectives from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit have previously arrested five men on suspicion of murder:

- a 45 year old man from Watford
- a 23 year old man from Watford
- a 56 year old man from Chiswell Green
- a 21 year old man from Watford
- a 30 year old man from Rickmansworth

They have all been released on police bail whilst enquiries continue.

Anyone with information about Murray’s disappearance is urged to contact police via the incident room on 01707 355959 or alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555111.