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A devastated mum has told of her mental and physical anguish as the brutal murder of her young son remains unsolved five years on.

Singer and rapper Dale Gordon, 20, died after he was severely beaten on a quiet cul-de-sac in Gorton, Greater Manchester.

Since the November 2014 killing, his mum Lynn Meecham, 58, hasn't had any closure because no-one has been brought to justice despite a £50,000 reward.

Lynn told the Manchester Evening News that the thought of Dale's killers walking free is "eating her alive" and the cancer survivor has blamed the stress and mental torture for making her ill.

Detectives believe that Dale, who went by the stage name Deezy, was left for dead in the street after he suffered severe head injuries in a fight.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

His family don't know why anyone would want to harm him and they don't believe the murder had any connection to a robbery that he was wanted in connection with.

Detectives have said he had "a criminal past, criminal links and criminal disputes", but added "no-one deserves what happened to Dale".

Lynn, speaking to the MEN at her son's grave, said: "I know it's been five years but it's like it was yesterday, the memories that just hit you. It's horrendous, I've re-lived it all over and over and I feel like I am again.

"It's made me ill. I've had and beat cancer.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"The stress hasn't helped one bit, my weight dropped and I was just trying to build it back up and get stronger.

"I'm in a flat out of the area now, my whole life has changed.

"I was living in the three bedroom house that Dale was raised in, I couldn't bear it. I still come down here and see friends.

"There is a big sense of community round here but there has been nothing, nothing, nothing.

"That's what really hurts and five years on it's more and more painful.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"Especially given that it's been five years. It's devastating."

Dale was found injured after locals called 999 to report fighting in the cul-de-sac just after 10pm on November 15, 2014.

CCTV showed him riding his moped just minutes before he was found.

Police said Dale had told friends he was on his way to meet someone. His mum said he received a phone call before setting off on his moped.

She said: "Someone must have said 'Dale come and meet me' and he's gone round to meet them.

"It was in a dark place, a cul-de-sac where old people live with no cameras, no lighting, a very shady place.

"I think there's only people in Gorton who would know that place.

"So I think it was someone who knew him and someone local."

She added: "He wasn't a goody good boy.

"He had been in trouble before.

"But not to the standard that would see two big lads smashing his head in.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"He wasn't a soft kid and I'm sure he would have had a go back but he must have been overpowered."

An inquest into his death ruled he was unlawfully killed.

Lynn is desperate for her son's killers to be caught and punished, but she fears the case will grow even colder as time passes.

She said: "I just want answers. Someone somewhere knows something.

"Five years is a long time for no one to be caught for it.

"People need to dig deeper. You turn the telly on everyday and someone is being convicted of a murder.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"But why has no one been caught for this in five years?

"I hope it's eating them alive whoever it is, because it is eating me alive.

"All we want is some closure and for someone to ease my pain.

"Someone needs to pay for it. It was just horrific, there was no need to do it.

"I don't want to be sat here again in ten years."

Dale was well known on the local music scene and had auditioned for The X-Factor as a teenager.

Lynn believed he was destined for stardom.

His brother Alex Gordon, 22, is re-releasing some of his tracks to ensure his music is heard.

Alex said: "That's something I've done, contacting radio stations, etc. His music was his legacy.

"He would have been a star - because actual stars have said that."

Three men, aged 24, 28 and 32, were arrested, but all three were later released with no further action being taken.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "The case is currently being dealt with by the Cold Case Review Unit.

"The investigation remains open and will not be closed until the offenders are brought to justice.

"A £50,000 reward remains available for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible."