TWO years on after the tragic death of Stourbridge footballer Ryan Passey - heartbroken family and friends say their fight for justice remains very much alive.

"It will be two years on August 6 since we lost Ryan in such evil and wicked circumstances and nearly 18 months since the devastating jury acquittal decision," Jason Connon, Justice for Ryan campaign manager, said this week.

He told the News: "We maintained from that very day in court that we would fight on to get Justice for Ryan and that’s what we are continuing to do."

Ryan's family recently held further talks with senior prosecutors at the Crown Prosecution Service and with Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir at West Midlands Police headquarters in Birmingham as part of their continuing fight for justice for 24-year-old Ryan, who was stabbed to death at Chicago's nightclub on a summer night out with friends in 2017.

They have been campaigning tirelessly since February 6, 2018, when Dudley's Kobe Murray, who admitted stabbing Ryan, walked free after a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court where the jury found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Relatives and friends of popular, self-employed window cleaner Ryan, who lived in Quarry Bank, believe a 'perverse verdict' was delivered that day and they have been campaigning for a change in the law to give families of victims of serious crimes the chance to appeal in such cases.

The family and Justice for Ryan campaign met with Sajid Javid MP when he was still Home Secretary ahead of their meetings with the CPS and West Midlands Police and Mr Connon said: "We cannot disclose publicly our discussions but what we can say is that all parties are in total agreement that justice was not delivered in our case. We have always maintained that Ryan was murdered on August 6 2017 and we are moving forward with our campaign for justice."

They have now instructed top barrister Matthew Stanbury, from Garden Court North Chambers in Manchester, to assist with the campaign. Mr Stanbury is known for his work on miscarriages of justice and regularly appears before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

An experienced private investigator with a background as a top cop working on homicide investigations has also been hired to look into the case.

Mr Connon said: "We are extremely grateful for the expertise and assistance that Matthew and our private investigator have now brought to our campaign.

"With them both attending recent meetings with us, we held very positive talks with both the senior prosecutors at the CPS and with ACC Jayne Meir, of West Midlands Police."

Meanwhile - a documentary featuring heart-wrenching interviews with Ryan's dad Ade, mum Gill and step-dad Phil is due to air on Channel 5 Star soon.

The family hope the film entitled ‘Knifed: Bloodbath on Britain’s Streets’ - which is expected to air soon - will further raise the profile of their fight for justice as they continue to appeal for information that could help their case.

Ryan’s dad Ade Passey said: “We just want to get justice and move on, although I don’t think you ever move on.”

He added: “I think next Tuesday’s going to be a tough day for me and Gill. I’ll probably go to Chicago’s and lay a few flowers and just try to get through the day.”

Ryan will also be remembered on Sunday (August 4) when motorcyclists turn out (weather permitting) for the second annual Ryan Passey ride out to Bridgnorth – starting at 10.30am from The Widders Pub, Barrack Lane, Halesowen, which will be hosting a fun day with a bouncy castle, karaoke, barbecue and raffle.

Meanwhile – anyone with key information about the night Ryan was fatally stabbed or who visited the former Chicago's nightspot in Stourbridge's Ryemarket centre on the evening of August 5, 2017, is urged to contact Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555111 (or online via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/).

The Justice for Ryan campaign can be contacted by emailing info@justiceforryan.org.