Police are offering a £20,000 reward to identify the killers of Karl Hamilton, who was stabbed to death 12 years ago after being attacked by a gang of about 15 youths.

Catering assistant Karl Hamilton was just 17 when he was fatally stabbed in his stomach and chest after his group of friends became involved in a fight with another group in Hackney at around 10.30pm on January 10 2004.

As Karl ran from the scene he was stabbed several times in his head, torso and thigh, and a knife was recovered from the scene.

DCI Chris Jones, from the homicide and major crime command, said: “For more than a decade Karl’s family have lived in limbo, not knowing who was responsible for taking their son, brother and grandson from them.

“We are hoping allegiances may have changed and individuals who may have previously been in fear may now feel able to speak to police and pass on any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”

Karl’s mother, Kim Williams, added: “We know some of you may have been young at the time but you may now have families of your own.

“Maybe that will help you to understand how we, Karl’s family, felt at the time and how we have suffered since his murder in 2004.

“We still feel the loss of Karl tremendously and not a day goes past where we don’t think about him and the way our family was torn apart that night.”

At the time 13 male suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation, three of whom were charged and acquitted in court.

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3734, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.