THE mother of murder victim Marco Schiroli today made a heartfelt appeal for people to help find her son’s killer.

On what would have been Mr Schiroli’s 30th birthday, his mother Pam tearfully pleaded for anyone with information to come forward..

Mr Schiroli, of Copperfield Road, Rochester, was attacked outside The Vineyard pub in Rochester while he was celebrating New Year's Eve and a friend’s birthday. He was stabbed several times and pronounced dead on arrival at Medway Maritime Hospital.

A group of 18 family and friends are marking his birthday with a meal in his honour at a Maidstone restaurant this evening.

Mrs Schiroli said: “This would have been a milestone birthday for him. Marco always said he would have kids and settle down by the time he was 33.

"I am a twin and he said he wanted to have twins. I will never see those grandchildren now.

“He always came downstairs to say goodbye to me before I went to work, no matter what time of the morning it was.

“I would have given him his card and wished him a happy birthday. I will miss doing that”

She told a press conference this morning: "I can't get on with my life until I know why my son died.

"Once the person responsible is caught I will be able to get on with my life. I feel in limbo. I have not fully accepted his death.

“I feel numb when I think about it. I just miss Marco so much.”

The tragedy was not the first in Mrs Schiroli’s life. She lost her husband in 1989 and her granddaughter in February 1993.

She said: “I understand the police officers investigating Marco’s murder are keen to speak to Paul Brown. If anyone knows where he is, please contact the police.

Det Chief Insp Dean Barnes, leading the investigation, said: “Pam has had several tragedies in her life. She is a remarkable lady and I’m impressed by her resilience.

“However, I cannot fail to see the anguish below the surface and my heart goes out to her. There is only one man who was at the pub that night whom we have yet to trace. He is Paul Brown, aged 36. We know he has contacts in the area and his family live in Norfolk.”

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01622 654850 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.