An investigation into a taxi rank mass brawl that left one man dead remains open nearly two decades later, police have confirmed.
Jody Burns, 27, suffered serious head injuries after violence erupted near the taxi rank on High Street, Runcorn, at around 1.15am on Friday, June 15, 2001.
He died several hours later at Whiston Hospital, sparking a murder investigation.
Detectives said at the time that trouble had initially flared outside the Bank Chambers pub about 45 minutes earlier, and then again as revellers waited for taxis.
The fight was reported to have involved around up to 60 people, and investigators interviewed more than 260 witnesses in the wake of Jody’s death but were unable to pinpoint those responsible.
Five men were charged with violent disorder in connection with the brawl.
Cheshire Police said at the time there was no evidence Jody was being aggressive or violent and instead was “an innocent victim of the violence of others”.
The case prompted questions from Jody’s grieving girlfriend, who called for better CCTV coverage of the area. She said Jody had been trying to break up a fight.
The case remains open and Cheshire Constabulary, following contact from the ECHO, asked any witnesses with information relating to the incident to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Police Major Investigations Team, said: "Cheshire police continually monitor unsolved murder cases, exploring any new lines of enquiry and considering advancements in forensic technology that may assist the investigation.
“The investigation in relation to the death of Jody Burns remains ongoing and I would ask anyone who believes that they have any information in relation to his murder to contact the team here at Cheshire police on 101.”
