The sons of a murdered Banbury man have called on the public to help detectives find their father's killer.

Maurice Batts, 64, who ran his own company, Batts Refrigeration, was found unconscious on his canal boat, which was moored off Southam Road, on September 29 and died at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital on October 9.

A post mortem revealed his death was caused by blunt trauma. Two men and two women who were arrested have been released on police bail.

Investigating officer Det Supt George Turner and Mr Batts' three sons Andy Parsons, Dave Wartho, and Steve Parsons said in a joint statement yesterday: "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."

Steve Parsons, who lives in Portland, Dorset, described his father as "kind-hearted, very lovable and a friendly sort of a chap".

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.