FOUR men have been released on bail until May in connection with the death of Cinderford man Shaun James in 2002.

Two Cinderford men, aged 51 and 63, were arrested last Thursday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a 53-year-old Cheltenham man and 46-year-old Cinderford man were arrested a day later.

Mr James was 32 when he was apparently run over in Steam Mills Road in Cinderford on the evening of December 15 2002.

Police who investigated the case at the time believed the incident was a hit and run traffic collision but were unable to identify the driver. A cold case review of all forensic and witness evidence by the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), using the benefit of new technology and investigative techniques, together with new information that has come to light over the years, led to it being reclassified as murder.

In December a reconstruction and appeal was broadcast on the BBC's Crimewatch programme and a £5,000 reward was offered for information that leads to a conviction. A further £5,000 reward has since been offered by Crimestoppers.

Detective Chief Inspector, Steve Porter said: "We're clearly at a critical stage in the investigation but it's crucial people still call us with any information they have about Shaun's death.

"Anyone with information can still call our incident room number 01452 754544."