THE father of schoolgirl Claire Tiltman - who was stabbed to death in Greenhithe in 1993 – has died without seeing his daughter’s killer brought to justice.

Cliff Tiltman was 62 when he died on September 14, more than 19 years after his only daughter was murdered in an alleyway near the A226 London Road.

Sixteen-year-old Claire had been on her way to visit a friend when she was attacked between 6pm and 6:30pm on January 18.

Speaking from his bed in a nursing home in January this year – on the 19th anniversary of Claire’s death – Mr Tiltman said: “It would mean everything to me to find out, after all these years, who did this to Claire.

“It has been a long time, but I've never given up hope and never will.

“I can't begin to put into words how this has affected our family.

“Claire has gone and her mum has gone - there is now only me.”

The retired plumber added: “I try to stay strong but will still hide and cry my eyes out for an hour.

“She would have been 35 now - she was a good kid. I miss her to bits.”

Mr Tiltman’s funeral is being held today (October 2) at Eltham Crematorium.

His death brings about a fresh appeal for information from Kent Police.

Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate Detective Chief Inspector Rob Vinson said: “Last month a good man went to his grave without ever seeing justice being served for the murder of his only daughter.

“This isn't the end of our investigation – we’ve always maintained that someone has information about this murder and we will continue to investigate it.

“I hope that the sad news of Cliff's passing might prompt someone to finally come forward with the key piece of information that we need to identify Claire's killer and help us bring this case to a successful conclusion.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01634 884010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.