"Nothing will ever bring my father back. But the path to eventually coming to terms with the loss of dad will only be paved when justice is done."

It has emerged that two youths were drunkenly swearing on The Parade on the evening of Friday, February 6, one holding a glass, the other a bottle.

Mr Corney was walking home from the pub with wife Norma when he challenged the two about their behaviour.

One of them headbutted the victim, fracturing his cheekbone, before they ran off towards Neston.

Two 14-year-old boys have been interviewed under caution, but police now say they are inclined to believe they are not involved.

Detectives are instead hunting two youths, aged between 17-19, one of whom made a reference about coming from Wrexham.

Det Chief Inspector Andy Smith, leading the murder hunt, directly appealed to one of the yobs who did not strike Mr Corney to come forward.

He added that he would be treated as a witness, not a suspect, and possibly escape a prosecution.

DCI Smith said they had spoken to many witnesses and discovered there were house parties taking place that night in Parkgate.

It is unclear if the two yobs were on the way to a party, or had recently left one.

Both men are white, one wearing a light-hooded top, the other a dark hooded top.

DCI Smith said: "People out there know who committed this assault, I would urge them to come forward.

"I accept the two individuals might not be aware of the consequences of their actions. For the sake of the Corney family, now is the time to make yourselves known."

Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Rees said such a violent offences was almost unheard of in Parkgate.

An average of just two reports of anti-social behaviour in Parkgate are reported to police each month.

Call Cheshire police on 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.