EIGHT years after a man was found dead in a cement mixer, a new police probe is to be launched into the death.

Les Balkwell, 62, has battled for years to have his son Lee’s mysterious death fully reinvestigated and said he would never rest until he found out the truth.

Mr Balkwell has always believed his son, 33-year-old Lee, was tortured and murdered before being thrown in a cement mixer by members of an organised crime gang.

Officers from Essex Police carried out an investigation into Lee’s death at Baldwins Farm near South Ockendon in July 2002, but concluded it was an accident and no-one has ever been charged in connection with the death.

But after waiting five-and-a-half years, an inquest in 2008 saw a ten person jury decide Lee’s death was the result of an unlawful killing through gross negligence.

Now a joint inquiry by Kent and Essex joint organised crime directorate is to investigate the circumstances of Lee’s death.

The probe will be led by acting Det Chief Supt Lee Catling and will complete investigative work recommended by the West Midlands force, who reviewed Essex’s original investigation and presented their findings earlier this year.

In November 2009 it was announced that a review of the original investigation of Lee’s death would be carried out alongside and inquiry by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

The grief-stricken father was handed the “damning” IPCC report last week and told he was not allowed to make the contents public.

Essex Police claim publishing the contents at this time could prejudice any charges that might be brought against any officers.

Mr Balkwell wants any new police action to be carried out independently of the Essex force. Donna Veasy, spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “A number of complaints against Essex Police officers involved in the investigation into the death have been received and are being investigated by the IPCC.

“Essex Police asked West Midlands Police to review their investigations into the death, which occurred in July 2002, and their report was presented in May 2010.

“For legal and operational reasons, the contents of the West Midlands Report will not be published for the time being, although a copy has been provided to the IPCC.

“The report recommends particular investigative actions to be taken, disclosure of which could be prejudiced by making the report public.”