A GRIEVING mother says she is disappointed the main businesses in a Suffolk town have failed to support a reward being raised to help trace a missing murder witness.

A GRIEVING mother says she is disappointed the main businesses in a Suffolk town have failed to support a reward being raised to help trace a missing murder witness.

Builder Bob Darvell recently launched a reward fund for information leading to the whereabouts of well-known Sudbury man Stephen Mackay, 30, who police want to interview in connection to the unsolved Karl Morris murder.

Although Mr Darvell has managed to raise £1,000 from colleagues within the building industry, he said he is disgusted others seem to have "turned their back on the appeal".

According to Mr Darvell, not one of the town's main employers and only one publican in the whole of Sudbury and Great Cornard has made a £10 donation towards the fund.

The builder from Long Melford launched his appeal after becoming frustrated with the continued failure to trace Mr Mackay nearly three years after Mr Morris was killed aged just 23.

He recently got together with Karl's mother Frances to appeal to all local businesses to make pledges towards the reward.

But Mr Darvell said: "I am absolutely disgusted by the attitude of the town's businesses and pubs. Between them they have made one donation of just £10, which is unbelievable.

"This money could provide the vital information to solve the murder and allow Karl's family to get on with their lives. It makes you wonder if these people care what sort of town their children grow up in."

Mrs Morris also said she is disappointed by the response. She said: "I am now going to write to them all personally and asked them to help. I just hope this may help provide the vital breakthrough."

Mr Morris received horrific head injuries after becoming involved in a fracas outside the Queen's Arms pub, Great Cornard on Good Friday 1999. He died the following day at 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, Thailand, Germany and Essex.

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

To contribute to the reward fund contact Bob Darvell on 07966 526241.