New lead in murder of Rutland man Clifford Clarke 12 years ago

Detectives say they hope new lines of inquiry will lead them to a brutal killer who stabbed a man to death in his home 12 years ago.

Officers said recent advances in forensic technology could give them a breakthrough in the hunt for the person responsible for the death of Clifford John Clarke.

The investigation team has also revealed there is a £5,000 reward available for information that could lead them to the 56-year-old's murderer.

Mr Clarke was found dead in his flat in Uppingham, Rutland on Sunday, September 10, 2000.

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He had been stabbed 13 times and had been lying dead for up to four days. No motive has ever been established and the case is unsolved.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Castle, the case's senior investigating office, said forensic advances opened up significant new lines of inquiry.

He said: "There are now techniques to enhance both fingerprints and DNA. We now have, it's fair to say, new lines of inquiry."

Detective Chief Inspector Castle said he is convinced someone in Uppingham knew who carried out the killing.

He said: "This was an horrific attack. Somebody may know something but they have never come forward or were reluctant to provide information when they were spoken to.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward and contact us, before we contact you.

"What you know could help solve this murder.

"I want to be able to offer closure to the family of Mr Clarke, who have spent the past 12 years not knowing who was responsible for his death.

"Despite the time that has lapsed, I would like to reassure the community in Uppingham that the case has never been closed and every effort will be made to find those responsible."

Mr Clarke, who was divorced and lived alone, was known in the town as Shakey, because he suffered from a genetic disorder which made his body shake.

Shortly after his death, detectives revealed they had found three pieces of evidence which they believed were significant.

They were a small vegetable knife with "Made in Japan'' on the blade and some keys on a chain. Both were found in a drain about a quarter of a mile from Mr Clarke's home in the town's High Street. A shoe print was also found in the blood in his flat.

Charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £5,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone linked to the offence. Sue Langley, the group's East Midlands regional manager, said: "This was a very high-profile case at the time and shocked a lot of people in what is a very tight community.

"It is this tight community I am appealing to, and anyone else who might have information on this crime, to contact Crimestoppers anonymously so that we can bring this case to a close over a decade after the crime occurred.

"We only want to know what you know, not who you are."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 and quote Operation Magnet.

Alternatively, call Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.