AN anonymous caller could hold a vital clue in what is now an investigation into the murder 12 years ago of Cinderford man Shaun James.

The 32-year-old was found in a lane off Steam Mills Road on the evening of Sunday, December 15 2002 and his death treated as 'unexplained'.

Using information that has come to light over the years and advances in forensic science have led Gloucestershire Police to launch a murder investigation, and reopen the case with a £5,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction.

Police are particularly anxious for a person who rang the Gloucestershire non-emergency number, 101, with information about a van that detectives believe was involved in Mr James's death.

A nationwide appeal for information and a reconstruction of the builder's last hours were broadcast on the BBC's Crimewatch programme last Thursday.

The cold case review convinced the officer in charge of the major crimes investigation team, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Porter, that Mr James was taken to Steam Mills Road in a vehicle before being deliberately run over and killed.

DCI Porter, who is leading Operation Tench, said: "Shaun James was not the unfortunate victim of a road traffic collision but the victim of a cold-blooded murder.

"It has emerged that Mr James was seen speaking to somebody in white Ford Transit-style vehicle on Valley Road, Cinderford as he headed home – in the opposite direction to Steam Mills – after leaving the Upper Bilson Inn at around 6.45pm.

"We had a number of calls to Crimewatch and we also had some calls here in the incident room and we are actively following them up.

"We also had some anonymous calls through Crimestoppers which we are following up as well.

"There was one person in particular who has given details on a van. We would very much like to speak to them – we were very encouraged by that call.

"We believe something happened 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."

Mr James 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 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.

"We are going to do everything possible to bring justice for the family and justice for Shaun."

"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.