THE PEACE and tranquillity of Christmas was shattered for a number of families in Colchester when a father-of-two was stabbed to death outside a Boxing Day party.

THE PEACE and tranquillity of Christmas was shattered for a number of families in Colchester when a father-of-two was stabbed to death outside a Boxing Day party.

It was five years ago todaywhen Grant Byrom, 30, was found slumped by the side of Forest Road on the Greenstead Estate in the town.

The man described as a "gentle giant" and known to his friends and family as 'Granny' had been stabbed repeatedly in the chest after leaving his drinking mates in a pub after they played football.

Despite efforts from members of the public and then surgeons at Colchester General Hospital he died later.

No-one was ever arrested for the vicious killing, but this week Essex Police confirmed the case remains open and that their prime suspect is probably overseas.

After Mr Byrom's death more tragedy struck when his teenage fiancé had a miscarriage just 13 days after the Boxing Day stabbing.

Emma, who was 19 at the time and asked that her surname not be revealed, hit-out at the assailant who she branded a "double murderer" because of the loss of her unborn child and her loved one.

She said: "He is in my opinion a double murderer, I lost Granny and I lost my baby – I want that man to look me in the eyes.

"We were getting married, he was in his first home and we were having a baby. He had everything he ever wanted. He wanted unconditional love, that is all he ever wanted."

The couple had shared a flat in WistariaCourt had been due to marry on April 23 – St George's Day.

After the shock of the Christmas killing, his family had hoped to bury him as soon as possible, but Mr Byrom's body was not released for seven months.

The mother of his children, Sue Moore,said it had been especially hard on the youngsters.

She said: "I'm relieved in one sense that they are going to let him go but it is also going to be our final goodbye.

"We don't want to do it because it is our last farewell. It is especially hard for the children. First time you tell them he's dead and now I'm telling them we are going to be laying him to rest seven months later."

Despite extensive door-to-door enquiries and public appeals, the killer remained on the run and detectives even stated they believed they knew who the person responsible was.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "It still remains an open case. A suspect was identified early on in the enquiries – a man who is now 56 years old and who is believed to have left the country.

"Enquiries to contact this individual are continuing."

Anyone who can help locate the chief suspect or help solve the case should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.