THE sons of murdered Banbury man Maurice Batts have called on members of the public to help detectives find their father's killer.

Mr Batts, 64, a well-known businessman, was found unconscious on his canal boat off Southam Road, Banbury, on September 29.

He died in the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, on October 9.

Four people, two men aged 52 and 23, and two women aged 21 and 49, who were arrested in connection with the death, were released on police bail after questioning.

Investigating officer Det Supt George Turner and Mr Batts' three sons Andy Parsons, Dave Wartho, and Steve Parsons appealed for more information.

They said: "We want to thank those members of the public who have come forward so far, but we are convinced there are more people out there who know what happened.

"We appeal to those people to contact the police at Banbury police station or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

Steve Parsons, who lives in Portland, Dorset, said he heard about the incident when Mr Wartho contacted him. Dave told me to get to the hospital as quick as I could. I was expecting the worst, and the medical reports and opinions gave a bleak outlook. I last saw my father a year ago.

"He was kind hearted, very lovable, and a friendly sort of a chap."

Mr Wartho, who lives in Banbury, said: "I was told my father's injuries were very serious and I went straight to the hospital. I tried to be optimistic about his condition, but that got harder as the days went on.

"He was a well-known guy, and ran his company Batts Refrigeration. He was really good laugh, and we did loads of things together.

"He loved life and had lived on the boat for around ten years after separating from his second partner."

Andy Parsons, who now lives in Basingstoke, said: "It hasn't been an easy time.

"I heard about dad's condition from Dave, and I went straight to the hospital.

"I hadn't seen my father for a few years but we had been in contact by email. Dad divorced mine and Steve's mother many years ago."