A mum, whose teenage son was brutally murdered on Mother's Day seven years ago, has spoken of her hopes for justice as the case was highlighted on London Today this week.

Anton Hyman, aged 17, was shot, beaten and left with multiple stab wounds in the River Brent, Greenford on March 21 2004. Initially ten suspects were arrested but later released on bail. After further enquires all of them were freed with no further action being taken. No one has ever been charged with his murder.

Vanessa Hyman, who appeared on London Tonight and tended Anton's grave at Greenford cemetery on Monday (21) said: "I have very mixed feelings right now. I can't believe it's been seven years. I come to his grave often because it helps. It is so peaceful. There has always been a wall of silence. People were too scared to talk and I can understand the fear, but I hope the alliances people had then might be different now and they might feel differently now."

She said Anton's death had deeply affected the whole family, not least his little sister, Cheyna, five at the time, because she "really looked up to him." Anton had loved music and planned to go to college to study audio engineering. Vanessa said: "He got the letter accepting him the week after I buried him. He had lots of friends and family, here and in America and Jamaica so it was hard on the whole community."

She has nothing praise for the police who she described as a "great team." Ealing's acting chief superintendent Ian Jenkins, agreed the wall of silence had hindered investigations and also appealed to people to come forward. He said: "There are lots of people in the local community who can provide some answers to the questions the family are asking over Anton's death. Those people need to come forward or Anton's family are not going to get the closure they are so desperate to get.

"While this case may not be actively investigated, it is not closed. I would be looking for anyone who has not yet come forward who can give us any information, however small, which will help in this case. There are still many people who will have heard something. It's never too late to come forward. The solution must come from the community."

A march is being held on May 14 in Anton's memory from Ealing Hospital to the Priory Community Centre in Acton Lane where a conference will be held to highlight the case and how the community can work with the police to improve safety.

Anyone who can help can ring the incident room on: 020 8785 8244 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555111.