THERE is new hope for justice for the family of a man knifed to death at a Stourbridge nightspot with detectives following up new leads and "potential new evidence."

The family of Ryan Passey met with detectives from West Yorkshire Police who assured them "no stone is being left unturned" in their review of the case.

Specialists have been brought in to support detectives and "new lines of enquiry regarding potential new evidence are to be followed up in the coming weeks."

Ryan's parents said the meeting has made them "more confident" that "Justice For Ryan will eventually be served."

Ryan, was 24 when he was knifed in the heart in Chicago's in The Ryemarket in August 2017.

Murder accused Kobe Murray walked free from Birmingham Crown Court in February 2018, having been acquitted of both murder and manslaughter.

As well as a successful civil action which meant Murray must pay the family £10k damages for a death caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default, the family called for an independent review of the case to help address concerns about how evidence was gathered by West Midlands Police.

Jason Connon spokesman for the The Justice For Ryan campaign said: "Last Tuesday, detectives from West Yorkshire Police travelled down to meet with Ryan’s parents, myself and Russ Whitfield our private investigator.

"The meeting was very positive and there are now several lines of enquiry.

"Specific specialists have been brought in to support detectives on the review team.

"We were given assurances our review is being resourced efficiently and no stone is being left unturned.

"Since we began our campaign, we now feel our concerns regarding the original police investigation and decisions afterwards are being taken seriously and acted upon.

"New lines of enquiry regarding potential new evidence are to be followed up in the coming weeks ahead and detectives from West Yorkshire Police will be keeping in regular communication with the family.

"Further communications are also continuing with the CPS and we shall continue discussions with the Ministry of Justice via our MP Suzanne Webb who has been fully behind our campaign to see justice served."

Ryan’s Parents Ade, Gill and Phil said: "We have always maintained Ryan was killed unlawfully and that Kobe Murray now known as Kareem Gayle lied to police and provided a bogus account to the criminal trial as we stated in our civil prosecution case which we won last year.

"Ryan was killed in one of the most cowardly and evil ways imaginable, having been stabbed through his heart whilst enjoying a night out with his friends.

"We shall never rest until Justice is rightly served for our Ryan and we feel more confident following our recent meeting with West Yorkshire Police, that Justice For Ryan will eventually be served."

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said: "I urge officers to work as quickly as possible.

"Ryan’s family has waited a great deal of time for this review to take place.

"It is only right that his relatives want answers and justice."