THE partner of suspected murder victim Shaun James says the family is hopeful a fresh appeal for information can lead to justice for the Cinderford dad.

Next Monday (December 15) will be the 12th anniversary of Mr James's death who was found in a lane off Steam Mills Lane.

Last week the BBC's Crimewatch broadcast an appeal for information with particular emphasis on a white Ford Transit-type van.

Lisa McStraw said: "We feel happy that something is being done about it because we've waited so long.

"Even though its brought it back up for the family we're just so positive and we hope something comes out of it."

And she had this message for the killer – or anyone who may be shielding them: "You've got to live with yourself knowing what you've done and if you know anything we need to know."

Mr James's son, Jesse, said: "There was good response from Crimewatch.

"A lot of people were calling me and texting me, my phone was going most of the night so there's been a really good response and hopefully things can move forward.

"It seems like the answer is within the community so somebody definitely knows something.

"I don't know what I'd say (to the person responsible): you've been living your life you've taken something away from ours. It needs to rectified."

Interviewed for the programme the 24-year-old recalled a fun-loving dad who enjoyed playing football.

He said: "I always remember playing football, whether it was playing slam against the wall or going to a nice, big field so we could boot it about and I'd make him run after it.

"It's never going to bring him back – finding someone is never going to help with him not being here but it brings justice."

Ms McStraw described Mr James as "a really friendly bloke" liked by all.

She added: "He was funny, bubbly – he was really confident and had loads of friends.

"The day that Shaun died we all died.

"Even though it has been 12 years there's not a day that goes by that we don't think about him."