Reappeal Over South Shields Murder 18 Years Ago

17 February 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Police are renewing their appeal for information to help solve the murder of South Shields doorman Kevin Nightingale.

Today marks the 18-year anniversary of the murder of the 33 year old, who was shot dead while returning to his South Shields home from work.

Mr Nightingale worked as a doorman at the former Oz nightclub in South Shields. On the night of his death in 1996, he shared a lift home with doormen colleagues to his Drake Close home.

He was dropped off near his home address and while approaching his front door, was shot several times. Mr Nightingale was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone with any new information into the murder as a forensic review into the case continues.

They have also teamed up with the UK independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers who have agreed to offer £5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in relation to the murder if passed through their confidential line.

People out there hold the answers 

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett, from Northumbria Police's Major Crime Team, is leading the review and enquiries into any new leads as a result of it.

She said:
"Unsolved cases are never closed and are regularly reviewed.

"A forensic review of Mr Nightingale's murder is ongoing and we're hoping this renewed appeal may generate new intelligence, information and fresh lines of enquiry which will of course be acted on and followed up.

"Mr Nightingale was well known in the town, not only through his work as a doorman, but he had also been both an amateur boxer and footballer.

"We know there are people out there who hold answers to the questions which remain around Mr Nightingale's death.

"Since the original investigation into this murder, we've also had enhancements in technologies and it's our hope that these, along with new information from the public, could lead to us finding out who is responsible.

"I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they think it might be, to contact us as it may prove vital to our investigation.

"It's also important to stress that this can be done anonymously through Crimestoppers meaning there doesn't have to be direct contact with police. Those providing information anonymously could still be eligible for a reward."

Julie Nightingale, who is still coming to terms with her husband's death, has also made a plea for people to come foward.

She said: "I'm still dealing with Kevin's death and find every day very hard.

"Somebody somewhere has got to know something and is keeping someone's secret for them.

"I would ask them to please come forward."

People can contact police on 101, extension 69191 or to be eligible for the reward, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.