Police have not given up hope that new information may shed light on who was responsible for the death of a man 20 years ago.

Stephen Colby, 47, who lived alone, was found dead by his son with severe head injuries at his home at Audley Street in Great Yarmouth in 2003.

Police launched a murder investigation into whether the retired builder had been bludgeoned to death, possibly as a result of a burglary gone wrong. 

Eastern Daily Press: Experts estimated Stephen Colby had been struck up to 100 times with a blunt instrumentExperts estimated Stephen Colby had been struck up to 100 times with a blunt instrument (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

His death came shortly after he had inherited nearly £100,000 from an elderly woman he had looked after.

The father-of-two was said to have promised sons Adam and Lewis Colby £10,000 each.

READ MORE: Five unsolved cases in Norfolk still under review by police

In 2004 eldest son Adam, then 24, was charged with killing his father but a jury at Norwich Crown Court found him not guilty of both murder and manslaughter.

In evidence he had said traces of his father’s blood found on his wristwatch had been left there when he felt his pulse.

Eastern Daily Press: Police murder investigations at Audley Street in Great Yarmouth 20 years agoPolice murder investigations at Audley Street in Great Yarmouth 20 years ago (Image: Newsquest)

After the trial Norfolk police said they would consult the Crown Prosecution Service to see whether further lines of inquiry could be pursued.

Now 20 years on, police have confirmed the investigation remains open with officers still not giving up hope that new leads may yet emerge.

A spokeswoman said: “This remains an unsolved cold case. We remain open to incoming information.”

READ MORE: Major breakthrough in cold case murder investigation

Mr Colby was found lying face-down on the floor of his living room in a pool of blood in the early hours of April 11, 2003.

Eastern Daily Press: An ornamental fire fret and Mr Colby's mobile phone and wallet were missing from the murder sceneAn ornamental fire fret and Mr Colby's mobile phone and wallet were missing from the murder scene (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Experts estimated he had been struck up to 100 times with a blunt instrument. An ornamental fire fret was later found to be missing, although the murder weapon was never discovered.

Originally it was thought the killing could have been a botched burglary as the victim’s mobile phone and wallet went missing.

Information about this or any Norfolk police cold case can be given via 01953 423819 or email unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk.