Detectives probing the mysterious murder of teenager Kieran Williams say investigations are continuing after a new witness hotline was launched.
It has now been more than a year since the 18-year-old's body was found in a makeshift grave, in Sunderland, six weeks after he went missing from home.
Louis Hackett, who had been friends with Kieran was convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder, after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
And in a dramatic twist, the judge said the “real perpetrator or perpetrators” of the murder had not been caught.
Last week, to mark the anniversary of Kieran's body being found detectives made a new appeal for information.
And a dedicated phone number was publicized that potential witnesses could use to contact Northumbria Police's Major Incident Team directly.
Today Det Chief Insp Matt Steel, who is leading the investigation, has thanked the public for their help so far.
“The investigation into Kieran William’s murder is very much ongoing," he said. "We are thankful for the continued support we’ve received from the community, and from the wider public, who have helped share our renewed appeal for information.
“We are determined to get justice for Kieran and will be continuing with our enquiries in the coming days and weeks."
Kieran went missing from his Sunderland home on April 18 last year. Police launched a search and the teens family made appeals for information.
But his body was recovered after a shallow grave was found close to the River Wear. Kieran had been stabbed more than 20 times.
Last week his tortured step-grandmother told of her anguish at not knowing who killed Kieran or why.
Lorraine Williams, 51, said: “I don’t think we will ever find out why. It’s just the not knowing, you can’t get your head round it if you don’t know why. It’s just so hard.
“He was such a lovely lad, he just wanted to be one of the lads and part of the gang. He just wanted to fit in.
“There is no motive, nothing. We just don’t know why. At the end of the day there’s somebody out there, person or persons unknown, who are still walking about knowing what they’ve done.
“For all I know I could bump into this person. They could be laughing in our faces, that’s what it feels like.”
As Hackett, 20, of Fordenbridge Square, Sunderland, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Anyone with information about Kieran's murder is asked to call Northumbria Police's dedicated Major Incident Line on 0191 437 4750 or message the team directly via the Major Incident Public Portal by searching for MIPP online.
Information can also be reported anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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