THE grieving son of a murdered traffic warden has made an emotional appeal for help in bringing his "wonderful" mother's killer to justice.Steve Dicker, 34, has spoken in public for the first time about the events of January 29 when he found the body of his mother Jean lying in the hallway of the Clacton bungalow they shared together.

THE grieving son of a murdered traffic warden has made an emotional appeal for help in bringing his "wonderful" mother's killer to justice.

Steve Dicker, 34, has spoken in public for the first time about the events of January 29 when he found the body of his mother Jean lying in the hallway of the Clacton bungalow they shared together.

Mother-of-two Jean Dicker, 58, had been battered to death. Her handbag and mobile phone were later discovered missing from her home in Craigfield Avenue. A post-mortem examination revealed she died from serious head injuries.

Close to tears throughout yesterday's press conference at Clacton police station the softly spoken son issued a simple message to his mother's killer.

He said: "Why did you do it? My mother did not hurt anybody. She was kind - she had no enemies. Yes, she liked to complain, but you don't get anywhere in this life unless you do.

"Somebody has come along and taken her life. I just want to know the reason why."

Mr Dicker said he had been working during the afternoon of the fateful day six months ago before returning home to the bungalow.

He said: "I didn't realise that when I said goodbye to mum, to leave to see friends that evening, it would be the last time I spoke to her."

Describing the moment he found his mother's body, at around 11.30pm, he said: "It's not a nice thing to see. She was a wonderful mother and a great friend."

Joining her brother's emotionally charged appeal for more information from the public, Tracy Kinton, 37, said: "The family will never rest until the person responsible is caught.

"The past six months have been a very difficult period for the whole family.

"The person who has committed this awful crime is still out there. This person could do it again. Please help us put an end to this nightmare."

Senior investigating officer, Det Supt Gareth Wilson said he was deeply frustrated by the lack of firm leads in the six-month investigation.

He said that despite the involvement of more than 2,000 people in the enquiry – including taking nearly 500 statements – he remained "convinced" somebody was still at large a vital piece of information.

Mrs Dicker's handbag and mobile phone were discovered to be missing after her death and Mr Wilson said: "We don't know about the motive - it is possible her mobile phone and handbag were taken to mislead the police."

Police are still trying to trace the driver of a white van seen in the area on the day of the murder as well as a person seen wearing a grey-coloured anorak who was walking along Craigfield Avenue that evening.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call the major investigations unit on 01206 762122.