AN investigation into the murder of a clubber gunned down in an Ipswich nightspot has cost taxpayers more than £800,000, it emerged today.

AN investigation into the murder of a clubber gunned down in an Ipswich nightspot has cost taxpayers more than £800,000, it emerged today.

The Evening Star has learnt that the bill for the ongoing probe into the killing of Londoner Jimoh Plunkett currently stands at £845,726.

Despite detectives' determined efforts to catch the gunman, the 24-year-old's murderer has never been brought to justice.

Mr Plunkett, of New Cross, died after he was shot at Zest nightclub in the early hours of December 9, 2006.

He had travelled to Ipswich to enjoy a garage music event.

However, the evening descended into violence. Along with Mr Plunkett's murder, three other clubbers were shot and another stabbed.

Suffolk police today revealed the hefty cost of the enquiry was due to the complexity of the case.

A spokesman said: “The reason for this level of expenditure is primarily due to the enquiry being investigated in London and not Suffolk, as this was where the victim and the majority of those in attendance at Zest nightclub on the night of the murder resided.

“This brought extra cost with the deployment of staff in London.”

The figure of £845,726, which has come to light following a Freedom of Information request, includes “marginal costs”, including overtime, mutual aid, accommodation and equipment, and not the salary costs of those investigating as part of their day-to-day responsibilities.

The spokesman said the enquiry remained alive with staff still “actively investigating”.

Troubled nightclub Zest has remained closed since the killing after its licence to operate was revoked.

Should Zest be allowed to reopen as a nightclub? Or should another use be found for the building? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk