DETECTIVES believe witnesses who saw a getaway car being torched on a remote country lane two years ago may hold vital information that can help catch the murderers of a father-of-four.

James Stanton was shot while in his business premises, Aintree Commercial Vehicles, Ormskirk Road, Aintree on Monday, July 24, 2006.

Police suspect two men were responsible for the murder and it is believed they escaped from the scene in a stolen blue Toyota Avensis car.

It was later found burnt out on Blindfoot Road, Rainford.

Detectives are particularly interested in talking to anyone who may have witnessed the car being abandoned, as information they may have could prove vital to the investigation.

Police are offering a reward, of up to £10,000, to anyone who supplies information leading to the prosecution of anyone linked to the death, and Crimestoppers has added a further £1,000 to this reward.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brunskill, said: “Mr Stanton's family are devastated by their loss and cannot rest until those responsible for his death are brought to justice.

“This incident happened on a busy route out of the city centre, at 6pm during the rush hour. There will have been plenty of people in the area at the time, both pedestrians and motorists.

“I would ask them all to cast their minds back and consider if they did see anything unusual, which they may not is of any note, but could prove vital to our inquiry.

“In particular we would like to speak to a woman with children, who was stood near to the getaway vehicle when the offenders fled from the scene. We would also like to speak to a man who was on a pedal bike, who indirectly contacted the investigation team, but has never directly come forward.

“This man clearly witnessed part of the incident and we believe he was on Ormskirk Road at the time of the shooting and would urge him to come forward.”

Mr Stanton’s widow, Jean, has also appealed for information.

She said: “Two years ago today my husband and I waved goodbye as we drove our separate ways to work, little did I know that hours later my life would be changed forever.”

“My husband lived for his children and grandchildren. At the time of Jim's death we had seven grandchildren, since then we have welcomed another grandson (named Jim after his grandfather) to the world, but sadly he will never meet to get meet his grandad. Someone must know who did this to my family.

“Please, I beg you to come forward with any information you may have no matter how small and help ease the pain we are going through.”

Mr Stanton, from Thornton, was a keen squash player for many years at The Northern Club, Crosby and he had represented Merseyside and coached young squash players. He was also a Jujitsu Instructor, and was well known in the martial arts community, training for many years in Fazakerley and Maghull.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Guncrime Hotline on 0800 458 1211, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively you can text the word CRIME followed by your message to 61051, or e-mail information to murder@merseyside.police.uk