DETECTIVES investigating the notorious murder of an East Yorkshire driving instructor say they know who plotted the killing.
Chief Superintendent Colin Andrews said he is "confident" he knows who was behind Keith Slater's brutal death in 1988, but admitted they may never be brought to justice.
Mr Slater, 35, was stabbed on the doorstep of his home in Bon Accord Road, Hessle, by devil-worshipper Martin Brown, who is currently serving life in prison.
However, Mr Andrews insisted he did not act alone.
The Mail revealed this week how Joe Henry, who had an affair with Mr Slater's wife, Carol, before the killing, has been released from bail after being arrested in connection with the killing last year.
In an exclusive interview with the Mail, Mr Andrews said: "I am confident I know who the killers are, that is those who were involved in Keith Slater's death.
"There is no doubt at all Martin Brown was the person who inflicted the fatal blow, but we have evidence that says he was not working alone. I think at least three people were involved, including Martin Brown. Before the murder, he had never met Keith Slater and didn't know where he lived.
"That knowledge had to have come from somewhere." Asked if he felt confident those responsible would be convicted, Mr Andrews said: "Ultimately, we might never be able to bring them to justice, but I am not satisfied we have completed what we need to do and there are still positive lines for us to follow."
During Brown's trial, Hull Crown Court heard Mr Henry was friends with Brown's brother Patrick.
However, Mr Henry only met Martin Brown three weeks before Mr Slater's death.
The Mail understands Brown is now co-operating with detectives' inquiries.
It is believed police decided to speak to Mr Henry following a phone call from Brown, which he made from prison.
When asked if that was correct, Mr Andrews said: "I wouldn't be prepared to comment on that specifically, but I can say Mr Henry's name wasn't picked out of a hat. He denies being the killer, but I can't say anything further than that."
Mr Andrews denied accusations by Mr Henry that police had "made a mistake" arresting him.
Mr Andrews said: "It was not a mistake seeing him and actually the investigation has moved forward significantly as a consequence of seeing him. I anticipate we will be seeing him again."
Brown, who grew up in Anlaby, was extradited from Australia in 2006 after a cold-case review revealed new forensic evidence linking him to the killing.
Brown's trial in 2007 heard he had an interest in the supernatural and was involved in spiritual ceremonies in woods in Surrey.
He would refer to Mr Slater as an "evil being" and was seen to dance around a campfire chanting "the man Slater is evil" and "the evil spirit Slater".
Mr Andrews said the investigation will take time.
He said: "I can understand the public thinking it has all gone quiet, but it hasn't.
"Behind the scenes, a detailed investigation is taking place and these things can't be rushed.
"You have to be thorough, fair and balanced. It would be wrong to rush into charges when we don't have the evidence to support it."
• More on this story: Former murder plot suspect Joe Henry on how police had the wrong man
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