Tom Kirwan murder: Wolves fan's family call for new investigation

Speaking on the fourth anniversary of his death, his mother Emer demanded 'justice for Tom' and said she will fight 'until the day I die'.

And detectives today said they are still determined to secure justice for his family.

Mr Kirwan was stabbed to death outside Uberra, the former Canal Club in Wolverhampton.

Trouble broke out between two groups on July 8, 2012, before more people arrived in cars, joined in and 23-year-old Tom was stabbed. He later died in hospital.

His mother said: "It is four years and still no justice.

"I will fight until the day I die. I promised him I would get him justice." She added: "I want a fresh investigation."

The mass brawl at the club was sparked when a woman's handbag was knocked over inside – sparking a mass brawl in the streets outside involving more than a dozen people.

During the fighting, Mr Kirwan, who worked at Bridgnorth Aluminium, was fatally stabbed, but despite numerous police appeals for information no-one has ever stood before a court charged with his murder.

In 2014, five people were locked up for taking part in the trouble outside Uberra, now The Boatyard, after being found guilty of affray after a trial.

Another man accused of being involved in the fighting was acquitted.

Despite an appeal last year offering a £15,000 reward, Mrs Kirwan said she was saddened that it had not prompted any witnesses to come forward.

"We didn't hear anything, we thought if we were to put a substantial reward up – because money talks – it might push somebody into coming forward with the information, but it didn't, which was a massive blow.

"I was really hoping for someone to come forward," she said.

"I cannot believe that my son was taken away, people saw what was happening and nobody wanted to speak out."

And she revealed the devastating impact her son's murder had had on the family.

"It feels like it happened yesterday. I'm tormented by it all. I can't believe that it has happened and I expect him to walk in. It is extremely hard.

"I exist – it shouldn't be like that, he should still be here with us. When he walked into a room it lit up and he didn't even know it. Someone has to be held responsible for what they did. We want justice for Tom." The family are also calling for help with their fight for justice.

"He was my rock," added Emer. "He kept me going and it was all taken away from me and to top it all off the person who did it is still free. If there's anybody out there with any information, please come forward.

"It will never bring Tom back and I will always feel like this, but justice is a tiny bit of closure."

Det Insp Warren Hines, who has been investigating the murder since 2012, said: "The family of Tom understandably want justice and I want to reassure them that this remains a live murder investigation and we are still appealing to anyone who has any information that could help us to come forward. This was a huge investigation for us where we took more than 350 statements and explored every piece of CCTV in Wolverhampton that could help answer the question of who killed Tom.

"This case was reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service in London under the bereaved families scheme towards the end of 2013.

Investigation

"CPS concluded that the investigation into Tom's death was very comprehensive and no further recommendations into the investigation were made.

"I continue to urge anyone who could help our investigation to please contact me.

"My thoughts remain with Tom's family and I understand that they will never and should never give up hope that Tom's killer will be brought to justice."

Following his death Tom's family launched a fundraising drive to build up a pot of cash to offer as a reward. In June last year, £2,000 was raised at a charity football match featuring TK Wanderers – a Sunday League team consisting of Mr Kirwan's family members and friends.

And more than £1,800 was also raised via a Go Fund Me page that was set up by his aunt, Caroline Mills.

And former Wolves player Jody Craddock planted a commemorative tree on land next to Little's Lane, off St Patrick's Ring Road.

The £15,000 reward is still available in the effort to find Mr Kirwan's killer.

His family put up £10,000 following fundraising efforts led by his mother, while Crimestoppers has added £5,000.

The money is for information given to Crimestoppers via their anonymous 0800 555 111 telephone number or online, that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.