DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Clacton teenager Jay Whiston have launched Facebook adverts in a bid to catch his killer.

Jay died, aged 17, after being stabbed outside a houseparty in Marlowe Way, Colchester, on September 8.

Det Con Insp Simon Parkes, who is leading the investigation, believes people know what happened at the party, but that “through some sense of misplaced loyalty” they are protecting Jay’s killer.

Essex Police hopes the launch of the two Facebook adverts will help reach people with vital information.

The adverts, which went live on Thursday, will appear on the Facebook pages of youngsters aged between 16 and 22 and parents aged between 35 and 55 who live in Colchester and Clacton.

Det Con Insp Parkes said: “We know there are still some people who have yet to come forward and hope the Facebook adverts will help us reach out to them.

“The smallest piece of information could help and someone out there could hold the key to convicting Jay’s murderer.

“We’re also using Facebook to reach out to parents in the Colchester and Clacton areas.

“We are committed to finding the answers in this murder investigation but really do need help from the public.”

Five people from Colchester, two 19-year-old men, one 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys, were arrested following the stabbing on suspicion of murder.

Anyone with information in connection with Jay’s death is urged to contact detectives at Colchester’s major investigation team by telephone on 01206 576845, text on 07841 112146, Blackberry Message (BBM) on 264CC35E, or email at scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.