THE devastated parents of missing St Albans man Murray Thompson are offering a reward of up to �5,000 from their savings for information about what has happened to their son.

Desperate for news, Geraldine Woodstock and Tony Thompson have also made a moving video appeal which talks about 34-year-old Murray as a child and what their lives have been like since his disappearance on April 20.

His work van was seen in the area of St Albans Road in Watford and a flat in the same road was discovered as having been visited by him around the time he went missing.

Scenes of Crime Officers conducted a forensic investigation at the property and detectives later announced that they believed Murray had been murdered, although no body has been found.

Four men – a 21-year-old, a 45-year-old and a 23-year-old from Watford and a 56-year-old from Chiswell Green – have been arrested on suspicion of murder but have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

The reward, which is being facilitated through independent charity Crimestoppers, will be given to anyone who supplies information which leads to Murray’s whereabouts being identified or information which could lead to the conviction of anyone involved in his disappearance.

Geraldine and Tony said: “We just want our son back – it has been too long and we need answers. Not knowing where he is or what’s happened to him is heartbreaking. It is like a living hell, you wake up every morning and wonder whether it will be the day we will get the news we need, which is why we have decided to put up this reward.

“There is someone out there who knows what has happened to Murray. They may be trying to protect themselves or others close to them, but they are not helping the people who love him.

“We are pleading to anyone who knows anything about Murray’s disappearance to contact Crimestoppers. You can remain anonymous and your information, even if you feel it is small or insignificant, could help us get Murray back.”

Before his disappearance Murray was living in St Peter’s Street and had been in a relationship with his girlfriend Rachel for four years.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Ross from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “We’re four months into this investigation and our enquiries continue. Murray’s parents were keen to offer this reward to help find Murray and we welcome their support.

“We strongly believe there are people who know what has happened to Murray and they need to understand the effect that withholding this information is having on his family, who are desperate for answers, as well as the police investigation. I would urge you to think twice about your actions and contact Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information about Murray’s disappearance is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or contact police via the incident room on 01707 355959.

Log onto the Herts Police YouTube page at www.youtube.com/hertspolice to view Geraldine and Tony’s video appeal.