AN investigation into the murder of a bouncer 21 years ago will remain open despite new information not providing sufficient grounds for an arrest.

Gary Chick, who was 40, was attacked by masked thugs on November 17, 1996, as he walked near the Venetian Bridge in Clacton with his girlfriend.

Mr Chick was hit over the head with what was believed to be a hammer and died at the scene, His murder sparked a major police investigation but his killer has not been brought to justice.

A woman contacted the Gazette earlier this year after being involved in an alleged road rage incident in the West Midlands, in which the other driver informed her he had been stabbed by the same person who killed Mr Chick.

Dash-cam footage of the incident was handed to Shropshire Police who then forwarded it on to Essex Police.

But a spokesman for Essex Police said they still did not have enough information to make an arrest.

The spokesman said: “In August this year Essex Police received information relating to the murder of Gary Chick in Clacton in 1996.

“The information was passed to our Major Crime Team at Brentwood where it was assessed, investigated thoroughly and all relevant parties spoken to.

“The information provided did not provide sufficient grounds for any arrest but we are, however, extremely grateful to the member of the public who came forward.

“The murder of Mr Chick, as with any of our unsolved cases, remains open and we will continue to explore any fresh lines of inquiry in our pursuit of justice for him and his family.”

Mr Chick had been working at Fibbers nightclub on the night he was attacked.

He was walking home to Kingsman Drive after having a few drinks with other doormen at the old Waverley Hotel when he was attacked by three masked men at 2.40am.

A man was charged with Mr Chick’s murder and a trial was held at Chelmsford Crown Court in 1999, but the defendant was acquitted.

Mr Chick’s family, including daughter Roxanne, have continued to ask for information which might lead police to find the person or persons responsible.

However, they have still failed to find sufficient evidence to bring his killer to justice.

Roxanne marked the anniversary of Mr Chick’s death earlier this month laying flowers near the spot where he died.