THE father of hit-and-run victim Paul Bowden has said his family need to find the missing pieces of the puzzle to come to terms with the tragedy.

University student Paul, 20, of Gryms Dyke, Prestwood, was found dead on the A404 Amersham Road, between Hazlemere and Amersham, in the early hours of June 25, last year. He had been walking back from The Orchard Country Club in Hazlemere.

Police are no nearer to tracing the driver who hit Paul and his father, Jake Bowden, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "Someone out there knows something. Obviously it's not going to change things but we need to tie up the loose ends."

Jake spoke after a High Wycombe inquest on Thursday into his son's death, recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Jake added: "He was quite a special lad and it's difficult. Everyone's still really devastated and shocked even a year later."

The Bowden family say they realise that Paul put himself in a dangerous position by walking that way home and they hold no malice, but they just want to know exactly what happened.

Jake appeared on national television on BBC's Crimewatch last July to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

He told viewers: "He was a boy who grew into a lovely young man. He was a very kind, caring and loving boy."

Sergeant Phil Haseler, of Amersham Traffic Police, said police have followed all lines of inquiry but have come up against "a brick wall".

He said: "The blue paint found is still one of the major bits of evidence but as far as tracing a vehicle, we have had no further response."

The blue paint found at the scene is believed to have belonged to a Vauxhall Frontera, Ford Galaxy or Mercedes M-series.

Anyone who has information should contact Amersham Traffic base on 01494 436723