The mum and brother of a private detective axed to death in a pub car park 20 years ago returned to the scene of the crime today.

Alastair Morgan and his mother Isobel Hullsman lay flowers by the Golden Lion, in Sydenham, and called for witnesses to come forward and help solve the horrific murder, for which nobody has yet been brought to justice for.

Dad-of-two Daniel Morgan, from South Norwood, had been drinking in the pub for about an hour-and-a-half, on March 10 1987, before he walked out the back door at 9pm and was hit several times in the head with an axe.

He was later found dead with the axe still embedded in his head.

It is believed the private investigator was about to expose a south London drugs network possibly involving corrupt police officers.

Although his £900 Rolex watch was stolen, the £1,100 cash he was carrying was left untouched, leading police to believe keeping Mr Morgan quiet was the real motive for the brutal murder.

After laying flowers the victim's brother said: "My brother was viciously murdered on this spot, probably by a man who was paid to commit this crime. For many years my family's relationship with the police has been characterised by distrust and hostility.

"However, thanks to the outstanding work carried out by the team now investigating Daniel's murder, this situation has changed radically. The wall of silence that has surrounded this crime has also been breached. We are deeply grateful to a number of witnesses who have recently come forward and given the police vital assistance."

After almost two decades without a lead the Met Police began a new investigation two years ago and, with a £50,000 reward on offer, now believe they may be near to charging somebody.

DCS Dave Cook said: "He was killed, we believe, because he was about to expose serious criminality potentially linked to corruption. Those who committed this act were driven by greed and in my view are dangerous to society and need to be brought to justice.

"A lot of assistance has been given in recent months by people coming forward to give us both information and evidence. That demonstrates to us that the conspiracy of silence that surrounded his death is coming to an end.

"I know that within south London, the identity of those responsible is one of the worst kept secrets but there has been a reluctance to reveal the details to police. However with the passage of time I'd like to think that, having gained the confidence and support of Daniel's family, we can do the same with those members of the public who have a desire to assist."

Anyone with information should call the investigation team in confidence on 020 7230 5925 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.