THE mother of murdered Joe McCafferty was today expected to plead for help to catch her son’s killer.

Sunday will mark 12 years to the day since the seven-year-old died in a house blaze at Haywood Avenue in Marsh.

And Tracey McCafferty was today due to make a personal plea for the public’s support at a press conference at Huddersfield Police Station.

Det Supt Dave Pervin, from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, is leading the investigation.

He said: “A little boy lost his life that night and someone is responsible for his death.

“Our enquiries are very much active and we are again calling on the public to help us bring this person to justice.

“Although it was 1997 when the incident happened, I would ask anyone who was in the area at this time to think back. Take a minute to consider whether there is anything you could tell us that might assist in our enquiries.”

Joe was staying with his aunt when petrol was poured through the letterbox and set alight.

Paramedics were unable to save him and he died at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in the early hours of May 3.

Police have put up posters around Huddersfield appealing for information and hope the anniversary will encourage people to come forward with information.

Dept Supt Pervin added: “Even the smallest piece of information could further the investigation and maybe lead to other avenues that can be explored.

“We know that petrol was poured into the letterbox.

“This may have been carried in a container and would make the person or persons carrying it quite identifiable.

“Do you remember seeing anyone or anything suspicious in the early hours?

“If you have this information, have you actually told the police or simply assumed that we would already know?

“If you have assumed, then we need to hear from you. Please contact us immediately.

“You could be the person who helps end the heartache for the McCafferty family and ensure that the person or persons who have done this are dealt with appropriately.

“This has quite understandably had a devastating affect on the family of Joe which has lived with the agony of not knowing why this happened or who committed this incident for the last twelve years.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or text 07786 200806 and type the word ‘platinum’ and your message.