DETECTIVES are renewing their appeal for information to help solve the murder of a doorman on 18 year anniversary of his death.

Kevin Nightingale was shot dead while returning to his South Shields home from work on February 17, 1996.

Mr Nightingale, 33, worked as a doorman at the former Oz nightclub in South Shields and had shared a lift home with colleagues to his Drake Close home. He was dropped off near his home address and while approaching his front door, was shot several times and pronounced dead at the scene.

His widow, Julie Nightingale, 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."

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

They have 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.

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.

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

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