Murdered: John Kennedy
(Picture: Met Police)Police have put up a £30,000 reward in a bid to crack an unsolved pub murder in east London 25 years on.
John Kennedy, 31, was attacked shortly before 6am inside the now-closed Railway Arms pub in Shadwell’s Sutton Street on February 8, 1997.
Family of the dad-of-two called on witnesses to his “senseless murder” to finally come forward and tell the authorities what they know.
There were around 60 people inside the pub at the time.
Mr Kennedy had arrived at the pub around 3am after visiting other pubs with his friends that night.
A man approached him before an “animated conversation” took place, said police, and the self-employed electrician was then attacked and stabbed.
The suspect fled the pub with another man before escaping in a car while the 31-year-old was laying on the floor.
The Met is offering up to £30,000 for information which leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of Mr Kennedy’s killer.
"A large number of people who were inside the Railway Arms at the time of this murder have chosen not to speak to police about it for 25 years,” said Detective Inspector, Kevin Prosser.
“I hope that, given the number of years that have passed, someone who was there that night may now feel that they can come forward and tell us what they saw, and crucially, who was responsible.
"Despite the long years since his death, John's family continue to grieve and will find no peace until justice has been served for John."
The football enthusiast’s family said he is “forever missed and will never be forgotten”.
“There are many people who witnessed this murder and have not spoken out due to either misguided loyalty or code of conduct,” relatives said in a statement.
“John's life was taken away and the murderer should be held accountable for his death. Please find it in your hearts after 25 years to do the right thing and help bring the person responsible to justice."
Any witnesses to the murder or anyone with information should call the Met Police incident room on 020 8345 3985.
Crimestoppers can be contacted completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
