POLICE chiefs say justice is “achievable” for Simon Dobbin as they launch a £20,000 appeal for information.
Mr Dobbin was left with permanent brain damage after being attacked in East Street, Southend, following Southend United’s match against Cambridge United.
He died in October last year, with a post-mortem examination finding a causal link between his injuries and his death.
The lead investigator, Det Supt Stephen Jennings, is confident they can secure a conviction in Simon’s name.
A total of 13 people have been convicted of the attack back in March 2015, but police have launched a homicide investigation – covering both murder and manslaughter – since Mr Dobbin’s death.
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Det Supt Jennings said: “I think justice is very achievable, the investigation in 2015 was extremely thorough.
“It is achievable for us to identify who was responsible, I think the key is someone coming forward to be able to provide us with evidence to be able to narrow down who the individuals were who are psychically responsible for assaulting Simon.
“That for me is the key that will unlock this. The initial investigation was focused on who has caused those serious injuries to Simon.
“Unfortunately there wasn’t enough evidence at the time to show who was physically responsible.
“There are two key elements, one is analysing what we had in 2015 and 2017, particularly around the trial and what was said.
“The second part is where we are now and to appeal for those who were there at the time either involved or anyone who might have been there and have information.
“We are really keen to understand what took place and what people can help us with.”
Essex Police has now teamed up with the Crimestoppers charity and is offering a joint £20,000 reward to anyone with information that can help detectives bring those responsible to justice.
The appeal was launched at a press conference yesterday
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