THE father of hit-and-run victim Paul Bowden is still desperately seeking answers to questions surrounding his son's death – three years after his body was found on the A404.

Paul, a 20-year-old university student, was found dead on Amersham Road, between Hazlemere and Amersham, in the early hours of June 25, 2000.

He had been walking back from The Orchard Country Club in Hazlemere. At the inquest the coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Dad Jake Bowden, from Stocklands Way, Prestwood, even appeared on national television on BBC's Crimewatch a month later to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We have not let ourselves become bitter about what has happened because that is such a destructive emotion and we are certainly not looking for revenge or punishment for the person involved in the accident.

"But there are so many mysteries concerning Paul's death, as remarked on by the coroner. We would like to know what happened for our own peace of mind.

"Despite the efforts of the police we were never able to trace the vehicle and there are a lot of unanswered questions. Still we don't know what happened. Despite a lot of effort and even an appearance on Crimewatch it still never turned anything up."

He added: "I have no qualms about the police. We have nothing but praise for their efforts. They worked really hard to get us a slot on Crimewatch but there was not enough detail at the accident scene and not enough to help them. Obviously we cannot change what has happened and the biggest grief is losing Paul.

"Whatever happened would not have been easy to deal with but knowing the details would probably help. If we can jog anyone's memory after this time it would be good.

"He was an absolutely wonderful lad. He was very bright, intelligent and funny. He had everything going for him. It is such a shame he was taken away."

PC Darren Mitchell, of Amersham roads policing, said: "We are still keen to speak to anyone with any further information. Every new piece of information is treated seriously and investigated thoroughly.

"There is no new information on this case at the present time."

Anyone with further information should contact PC Mitchell on 01494 736721 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.