Video: New CCTV images of brutal one-punch killing of Leeds postman - 20 years on

Twenty years on from the death of 42-year-old Andrew Batten, police have asked for the public’s help to trace three couples they think may have vital information.

Mr Batten was attacked whilst queuing for a taxi on Vicar Lane in 1995 and was found on the pavement by an ambulance crew after an anonymous call.

He suffered a fractured skull and died in hospital two days later.

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The victim’s sister Vanessa Batten has today made an emotional plea for information in the hope his killer will finally face justice.

She said: “I was venomous when I was informed of my brother’s murder 20 years ago but have matured since, although the aching of his loss still cripples me.

“Now I am pleading for someone who knows who was involved to contact the police and give us the closure we need.”

Described by friends as a ‘gentle giant’, Andrew, who was 6ft and 17 stone, lived in Beeston and worked as a postman for Royal Mail.

He was in his uniform at the time of the attack and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where he died on October 15, 1995 - just a few days before his father’s 75th birthday.

His sister added: “The people involved that night have enjoyed 20 years of life that Andrew was denied.

“Everyone has to answer to a higher power eventually, and I’m hoping and praying someone does have a conscience enough to rid themselves of 20 years of silence, or 20 years of a false life.

“There is someone out there that can bring closure to the surviving members of this family.”

She continued: “Our father [...] passed away in 2014 heartbroken that there had been no closure or resolution to Andrew’s murder.

“My brother was never in trouble with the law, was dedicated to charities and respectful and courteous to everyone.

“He would willingly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

“He never got the chance to see his nephews graduate high school or college; see them marry or see each’s daughter born; was never given the opportunity to get married himself or add to the grandparents inventory with his own heirs.”

Detectives believe the answer to who killed postman Andrew Batten still lies in Leeds and are today making a renewed appeal to trace the person responsible.

It is believed Andrew was punched by a man who was with a woman, thought to be his partner, in the taxi queue at the back of the Victoria Quarter.

The pair left the scene, crossing Vicar Lane and walking down George Street.

Following a review of the case, detectives have released CCTV images of three couples they want to trace in connection with the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Dunkerley, of the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “We are confident we will hopefully get to the bottom of what happened.

“We have three new leads and there is a forensic strategy that could be an option too.”

He added: “We believe the answer of who was responsible probably still lies locally.

“His sister’s emotive comments clearly show the anguish his family are still going through and how desperately they need to get closure.

“We have been reviewing all the available evidence and are keen to trace the people shown in the CCTV images.

“Someone may regularly pass the point in Vicar Lane where Andrew was fatally assaulted and think about what happened. Twenty years is a long time and relationships and allegiances can alter over the years and maybe now someone will feel able to come forward.

“I would urge anyone who does know what happened to search their conscience and think about how Andrew’s family are feeling.”