Nicole O'Neil

POLICE hope a £10,000 reward will lead to the arrest of a gang of balaclava-clad murderers -- a year after they stabbed a man to death in his Downham home.

Vincent Shaw, 29, was stabbed in his own home, in Reigate Road, on October 23 last year and died later that evening.

The unemployed plumber had been spending Saturday night with friends at his flat when there was a loud banging on the door at 8pm.

A gang forced their way into his flat armed with knives and baseball bats.

Only one showed his face, and he stabbed Mr Shaw in the leg before making off.

Police were called and found Mr Shaw with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to Lewisham Hospital but pronounced dead at 8.50pm.

The murder is being investigated by officers from the Serious Crimes Group South under DCI David Beggs.

He said: "Unfortunately, during the last year of his life, Vincent had got mixed up in the drugs scene. We are renewing our appeals for witnesses, especially from among Vincent's friends and close acquaintances.

"Have you any information regarding this case? If so, please come forward -- you could make a difference. Are you one of the group who forced their way in but not party to the assault? Have you the courage to come forward and explain your part in what took place."

Anyone with information is asked to call into their nearest police station or call the crime desk on 020 8313 1212.