TV appeal over skydiver death

A reconstruction of the events leading up to the death of a skydiver whose parachute was sabotaged is to feature on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.

Stephen Hilder plunged 13,000 feet to his death at Hibaldstow Airfield, near Brigg, on 4 July.

Police launched a murder inquiry after revealing that the cord on the Oxfordshire army cadet's main parachute and the strapping on his reserve chute had been deliberately severed.

Detectives will appeal to a national audience

It is hoped that by featuring the incident on Crimewatch a nationwide audience will provide new leads.

Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews, of Humberside Police, who is leading the investigation, said he was very keen to get the inquiry on the programme.

He said: "It does have very good results and may just provide us with the break we need to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Stephen's death.

"I believe that there is someone out there, more than likely a member of the skydiving community, who knows exactly what happened to Stephen's parachute pack and why, and I am confident we will get that information.

"It is a wicked crime and somebody out there holds the key to this investigation."

Crimewatch will be broadcast on BBC1 at 2100 BST on Thursday 24 July.