AN INVESTIGATION into the murder of a postman in Mold has 'never been closer' to a conclusion, police have said.

Paul Savage was beaten to death with a wooden baton while making his delivery round in the town on February 4, 2003.

He died in Wrexham Maelor Hospital aged 30 and his killers have never been brought to justice.

But in a fresh appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch Roadshow Live, DI Christopher Bell of North Wales Police told the programme there is still hope of finding those responsible and called on witnesses to come forward.

He said: "The difficulty in this case has been has been gaining the confidence and trust of the members of the Mold area.

"We know from a number of witness that they have vital information and through fear of reprisals or the court process they are reluctant to come forward.

"We would like to appeal to those witnesses that without their help we won't be able to solve this murder.

"The attack took place half way up Clayton Road in Mold. Mr Savage placed his bike outside a gatepost and we know that is where he was viciously struck and left for dead.

"We know from witness accounts that we have two people in dark clothing walking up from the Queens Park area.

"A key witness has seen two people matching the description walking away – I have no doubt they are connected.

"From the murder weapon we know there are paint fragments which have been matched fragments on the hat of Mr Savage.

“Over the last few years there have been huge strides made with DNA. We are re-examining that now and we have never been closer.

"There is a reward of £25,000 in this case – that has been put forward by Royal Mail and that is for information that will lead to the safe conviction of the offenders.

"I believe there are people out there who may hold the vital information whether they have witnessed if first hand or heard who may be responsible. I hope this reward may encourage them to come forward."

Mr Savage's mother June White told the BBC programme about her son, describing him as a man who loved his family and his home.

She said: "Paul was humorous, sometimes a bit of a jack the lad. He could be defiant but then he’d make some jokes and everything would be fine."

She told the programme her son's death had been 'the start of a nightmare'.

Mrs White told the Leader that recounting the events leading up to her son's death as part of the appeal had been difficult - but she is very pleased that the case is now back in the public eye.

She said: "They have done a good job with it - I have been waiting for this for 15 years.

"I feel hopeful and I have done all I can, because it has gone national now. What more can I do?

"There has been a lot of water under the bridge over the years, with many sadnesses. But now I feel positive in a way."

Mrs White told the Leader previously how three years after her son was killed, her husband Lance died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Two years after that she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but was given the all-clear five years later.

Information can be passed to police in several ways, from either speaking to a local police officer or PCSO, contacting the control room direct via the web live chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx or phoning 101.

To pass information anonymously, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.