DETECTIVES probing the murder of a Clacton teenager have admitted to a disappointing 24 hours.

Police, on Monday, appealed for more help with events surrounding the fatal stabbing of Jay Whiston in Marlowe Way, Colchester.

They were joined by Jay’s mother Caroline Shearer and sister Holly Fairburn, who both made heartfelt pleas for more information.

But Essex Police yesterday said it was disappointed with results of the appeal, which failed to bring in any fresh leads.

Nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident. Eight are currently on police bail until March 22. The ninth person – a 17-year-old boy – was released from police bail on Monday and told he faced no further action.

Detectives want more people to come forward and piece together precisely what happened at the house party on Saturday, September 8.

Detective chief inspector Simon Parkes, who is leading the murder investigation for Essex Police, said this level of detail would give police the best chance of securing a prosecution.

He said: “When a fight broke out Jay stood his ground and tragically became the victim of mindless violence.

“It is essential that we are able to reconstruct what happened that night; to recreate the movements frame by frame of Jay and his attacker or attackers.

“Secondly, there are two items we need to trace. The murder weapon is outstanding. We know from the scientists that we are looking for a knife as opposed to any other item or implement. It is still out there. Is it being held by the killer or has it been discarded by a friend? If you know where it is, then please contact us.

“Additionally, we have accounted for the clothing of all those arrested apart from a distinctive red and white polo T-shirt made by River Island. Again, if you know where this top please get in touch.

“Thirdly and of equal importance, I would like to appeal to those who know who is responsible, to their friends and even family members. We have no doubt there are those who are aware of events which took place that September night but through some sense of misplaced loyalty are protecting Jay’s killer.”

Ms Fairburn joined Jay’s mother in making a heartfelt plea for more people to come forward with information about the incident.

“If they don’t come forward they will be as bad as the person that has done this to Jay,” she said. “If they don’t come forward they haven’t got a decent bone in their bodies.”

Mrs Shearer said: “As far as I’m concerned the people that are hiding them, they have got to live with this for the rest of their lives.

“I’d have had them by the collar and pulled them down the police station myself.”

If you can help police call 01206 576845, text them on 07841 112146, e-mail scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.