POLICE investigating an unsolved murder are hoping to offer a financial reward in a bid to trace a "missing" key witness.Suffolk police have been investigating the murder of 23-year-old Great Cornard man Karl Morris, who died nearly three years ago following a pub fight.

POLICE investigating an unsolved murder are hoping to offer a financial reward in a bid to trace a "missing" key witness.

Suffolk police have been investigating the murder of 23-year-old Great Cornard man Karl Morris, who died nearly three years ago following a pub fight.

So far police have been unable to trace 30-year-old Sudbury man Stephen Mackay, who they believe holds vital information into the death.

Detectives are now exploring ways of raising funds to enable them to offer a financial reward for information leading to the whereabouts of the Mr Mackay.

Chief Superintendent Geoff Munns, who is leading the case, said he is exploring ways in which funds can be raised for the reward. He said consultations are being held with anti-crime organisations, the media and local groups in the Sudbury area in a bid to raise the money.

Karl Morris was killed following a fight outside the Queen Arms pub in Great Cornard, on April 2, 1999.

Mr Mackay is known to have been present when the fight broke out, but disappeared from the scene and has never been traced.

Every stone, including television appeals, Interpol searches, dawn raids, the taking of 80 statements and the investigation of 250 lines of inquiry, has been turned to find former British soldier Mr Mackay, but to no avail.

Reports have suggested that he is in Thailand, Germany, America and even in Essex.

Police hope the offer of a reward could bring in new information.

"The case has involved repeated appeals both locally and nationally with features on Crime Watch UK, Crime Night and extensive coverage in the local media, including a reconstruction of events.

"Our enquiries into Karl Morris' death remain active and we continue to follow up all leads," added Mr Munns.

Meanwhile South Suffolk MP Tim Yeo has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair asking him to look into the case.

Karl Morris's mother Francis recently wrote to Mr Blair pleading for his support, but her letter was simply passed on to the Home Office.

The MP has now offered his support and has urged the Prime Minister to reply to Mrs Morris in person.

He said: "I understand the concerns of Mrs Morris and her family, who have been suffering for a long time. We know the police have done everything they can, but many questions remain unanswered and this is a very distressing time for the family.

"I am simply supporting Mrs Morris in anyway I can and hope I can get a constructive response from number 10.

"There may be nothing the Prime Minister can do but I think he should at least look at the facts and reply to Mrs Morris personally."