THE family of murdered painter and decorator John Lloyd have met some of the police who were involved in the investigation into his death.

The meeting was instigated by Mr Lloyd's sister, Linda Rimell, who wanted to thank the police for the work they did in securing the conviction of Joao De Oliveira.

Officers from West Mercia Constabulary who conducted interviews, carried out forensic tests and intelligence work, as well as control room operators who took the initial 999 calls, met relatives.

Mrs Rimell, of Pershore, said: "We are really proud of the British police force, the response and the arrest and helping with the conviction, it was so fast.

"We just cannot thank you enough, we really are grateful."

The meeting was six weeks after 34-year-old De Oliveira was found guilty at Worcester Crown Court of murdering Mr Lloyd, aged 56, by stabbing him 68 times in his Warndon flat, and sentenced to life in prison.

Mr Lloyd's relatives - his brother Kevin, 54, and two sisters, Mrs Rimell, 59 and Petrina May, 50 - also praised their family liaison officer Neil Rawlins.

"Neil was there when we felt things were getting a little bit to much," said Mrs Rimell. "He explained everything fully to us and played such a vital part."

During the talks, Superintendent Nick Mason praised your Worcester News for our favourable' coverage of the murder trial. And he told the assembled officers: "All of you can see the hard work you put in is appreciated by people, I have never known that happen before."