Tom Kirwan: Mother's tearful appeal as reward over Bridgnorth worker's murder is upped to £20,000

On the day of what would have been his 29th birthday, Mr Kirwan’s mother Emer is pleading for those with information to do ‘the right thing’ as the reward money is increased to £20,000.

Mr Kirwan was 23 when he was stabbed to death outside the now-closed Uberra Club in Wolverhampton after disorder broke out between groups of revellers.

Tom, who worked at Bridgnorth Aluminium, was stabbed and later died in hospital.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Emer said: “Tom would have been 29 today, married with children, celebrating his birthday.

“Six years ago after a night out my son was stabbed, twice in the back and once through his heart.

“It was a brutal and mindless attack, which has taken a kind beautiful and loving son away from me. Someone knows who murdered my son that morning.

“Why are you letting his killer get away with this? Life is such a precious gift and it shouldn’t be taken in this way.

“I’m pleading do the right thing and come forward with any information you have.”

She added: “We have increased the reward to £20,000 as we are desperate to find answers.”

Half of the money has been put up by the family and is made up of donations and money raised in the community.

Crimestoppers have provided the rest, today raising its contribution from £5,000 to £10,000.

New posters will go up around the city today. Hundreds have been put up by the family in recent months.

They include one next to a memorial off the Wolverhampton ring road, close to the former nightclub.

Yet despite this, no-one new has come forward.

Tom's grandmother, Anne Tedford, from Dunstall, Wolverhampton, said: "He was the most kind, respectful, hard-working young man – we all still miss him so much today.

"Now we want justice for him."

Det Supt Tom Chisholm, head of the West Midlands Police homicide investigation team, is leading a review of the investigation, which started last summer.

He is going back over forensic evidence, CCTV and reinterviewing people not only to find clues to trace the killer, but also witnesses he is keen to speak to.

Today, he urged people who chose not to come forward at the time of the murder to get in contact.

He said: "I appeal to the good people of Wolverhampton who for whatever reason might not have come forward at the time, that might have been through fear or some sort misguided loyalty to people involved in that disorder.

Justice

"What we are hoping is is throughout the passage of time these people will have grown up possibly their situation might have changed and they might have families and children of their own now.

"Now is the time, this incident happened six years ago. We're still investigating, we're still pushing for justice for Tom.

"I'd appeal to anyone who has information to come and speak to us now."

He added: "The charity Crimestoppers has put up a £10,000 reward for any information which leads to the conviction of Tom’s killer, such is their commitment to our investigation.

"This amount has also been matched with funds raised by Tom’s family, taking the total to £20,000 - a significant amount of money which could change the life of anyone holding that vital piece of evidence crucial to the case."

In 2014, five people were prisoned up for taking part in the trouble after being found guilty of affray after a trial.

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

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org