DETECTIVES leading an unsolved Suffolk murder case have welcomed a £1,000 reward being offered by businesses in an effort to help find a missing key witness.

DETECTIVES leading an unsolved Suffolk murder case have welcomed a £1,000 reward being offered by businesses in an effort to help find a missing key witness.

Police have been searching for well-known Sudbury man Stephen Mackay, ever since Karl Morris was killed following a fracas outside the Queen's Arms pub, Great Cornard, in 1999.

It is believed Mr Mackay holds vital information into the murder.

Long Melford builder Bob Darvell, has now offered a £1,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of 30-year-old Mr Mackay, after receiving pledges from local publicans, shopkeepers and traders.

Mr Darvell was spurred into action after becoming fed-up with the continued failure to trace Mr Mackay, nearly three years after Mr Morris was killed aged just 23.

Karl Morris received head injuries during the pub fight on Good Friday, 1999, and died the following day in the West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds.

Former British soldier Mr Mackay was known to be present when the fighting was taking place, but he disappeared shortly after and has never been traced. Reports have placed him in America, Germany, Thailand and Essex.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Sudbury police on 01284 774300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

If anybody would like to contribute to the reward fund they can contact Bob Darvell on 07966 526241.