DETECTIVES investigating the death of Shaun James have issued previously unseen footage of a white van that might have been used by the killer.

On Monday the cold case squad issued 71 seconds of video showing the Ford Transit-style van driving around Cinderford – the 12th anniversary of the death of the popular 32-year-old dad.

Police are hoping that the video – which can be seen on the Review website – will prompt more people to come forward with information.

The man in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Porter, particularly hopes that several people who called anonymously will again call the incident room at Gloucestershire Police headquarters.

Mr James was run over in a lane off Steam Mills Road in what was initially thought to be a hit-and-run incident but police were unable to identify the driver.

But advances in forensic techniques and a review of new information that has come to light over the years meant the case was re-opened recently as a murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Porter, who is leading the manhunt, says he convinced Mr James was driven in a van to Steam Mills Road after being taken from Valley Road, Cinderford as he walked home.

DCI Porter said: "After reviewing all the CCTV from the time we've recovered footage of a white van in the centre of Cinderford immediately after the incident.

"It is seen a number of times between 7.07pm and 7.30pm, firstly in Cinderford High Street and then parking and leaving the Co-op car park in Dockham Road.

"We're now working to enhance the images to pick up any wording on the sides and the registration number and the occupant of the vehicle but if anyone recognises the van I would urge them to call us straight away."

The events leading to the discovery of Mr James's body – who was found at around 7.05pm on Sunday, December 15 2002 – were reconstructed in a BBC Crimewatch appeal and the police have put up a reward of £5,000 for information that leads to a conviction.

DCI Porter said: "We've had over 30 calls since the Crimewatch programme and we are still following up a number of inquiries from these.

"However there were several very interesting calls from people who wished to remain anonymous and have said they are scared to identify themselves or come forward with more information.

"I would like to make a personal plea to those people to phone us back.

"We understand Cinderford is a tight-knit community but I can reassure you that we have trained detectives answering the calls and that they will be able to explain how we can deal with any fears you have.

"Remember Shaun's family - it's 12 years since Shaun died – their suffering has gone on long enough.

"They need to know who did this and why. Please do the right thing and come forward.

"Officers will be staffing the mobile police station in Cinderford for the next few days and handing out leaflets appealing for information.

"I can also reassure the community that we are exploring every avenue to solve this crime.

"To indicate the scale of what we have done I can tell you we have generated over 2,400 documents since the investigation began and over 1,500 actions have been generated for officers to follow up."