The family of missing Murray Thompson, who is believed to have been murdered, have told of the heartbreak and devastation they have endured since his disappearance one year ago.

Murray Thompson, who is from St Albans and was 34-years-old at the time of his disappearance, will have been missing for a year on April 20, 2011.

Detectives from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit launched a murder investigation soon after Murray's disappearance, which has centred on the Watford area after locating a flat in St Albans Road where is it believed he last visited.

His work van was seen in St Albans Road/Leavesden Road in Watford close to the time he went missing and was discovered in Robin Hood Drive in Bushey a fortnight later.

His parents Geraldine Woodstock and Tony Thompson said: “April 20 is without doubt the darkest day in our lives. It is exactly one year ago that our son Murray disappeared off the face of the earth.

“Despite continuous police investigations we are no nearer to discovering either what happened to him on that day or where he is now.

“Many previous appeals have been made by us in the press and on local radio including the offer of a £5,000 reward for information.

“Please, is there anyone out there who can come forward with any information to help us come to terms with whatever has happen to our son?”

Murray’s parents are offering a reward of up to £5,000 for information which leads to the whereabouts of Murray being identified or information which could lead to the conviction of anyone involved in his disappearance.

To mark the anniversary, police cars in Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead will be carrying appeal posters with a photo of Murray and publicising the reward.

Detective Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “I cannot imagine the pain Murray’s family are going through at this time and I know there is a lot of public support with many people keen to find out what has happened to Murray.

“This is still a very active investigation and our main thrust is trying to locate Murray so his family can give him a proper funeral and to lay him to rest.

“I am confident there are people who are withholding information which could help us find Murray. I would ask these people to put themselves in the Geraldine and Tony’s shoes and consider just how devastated you would be and how important it would be for you if someone came forward with that vital piece of information.”

A man from Watford was charged on March 8 in connection with the murder investigation. James Evans, aged 22 and of Bushey Mill Lane was charged with perverting the course of justice, preventing a lawful burial and three counts of producing cannabis. He has been remanded into custody.

A 46-year-old man from Watford and a 31-year-old man from Rickmansworth who were both arrested on suspicion of murder are currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 01707 355959 or alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555111.

Murray's parents appear in a video appeal which can be viewed by visiting http://www.youtube.com/hertspolice