TV appeal in sailor killer hunt

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/8354990.stm

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A reconstruction of events leading up to the death of a sailor in Liverpool is to be shown on BBC Crimewatch.

Anthony Cavanagh, 22, was on shore leave from HMS Cardiff on 24 September 2005 when he was punched as he left Walkabout bar in Concert Square.

He was in a coma for 11 days in Walton Neurological Centre before dying the day after his birthday.

CCTV of a man Merseyside Police want to speak to about the attack will also be shown during the BBC One programme.

Mr Cavanagh's best friend, who was an eyewitness to the attack, and his mother Pat, from Kirkdale, have also been interviewed.

Detectives hope the pleas from those who knew the sailor and who served with him will encourage someone to come forward.

Maybe people haven't realised how serious this incident has been Det Ch Insp Tim Keelan, Merseyside Police

Det Ch Insp Tim Keelan, leading the inquiry, said there were about 600 people in the pub on the night of the attack.

"We've interviewed some people but certainly nowhere near that number," the detective told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Maybe people haven't realised how serious this incident has been, they thought it was a minor fight between two people and they've treated it like that."

Mr Cavanagh was leaving the pub when he accidentally bumped into a man and got into a brief argument.

He was then punched in the chin and fell backwards, suffering serious head injuries.

Mr Keelan said detectives were desperate to bring his killer to justice for the sake of Ms Cavanagh, who was very close to her son.

"She feels totally unable to into Liverpool city centre now because of the effect [it had] on her and we would really like to bring some closure to her and the rest of the family," he added

Merseyside Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident and are also continuing to look for David Corkill, a man they believe has vital information.