TODAY marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of a Bolton scientist who was knifed to death at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Nicholas Hanscomb, aged 38, was stabbed in the groin with a Rambo-style blade after an argument with a group of youths.

The killer has never been brought to justice and the Metropolitan Police in London confirmed today the murder file remains open. Dr Hanscomb, the son of Deane-cum-Heaton councillor John Hanscomb, the former Bolton Conservative leader, was leaving the annual event with friends from his religious sect when he got involved in an argument with some youths.

Witnesses saw a gang of around six men attack Dr Hanscomb. One thug knifed him in the groin, hitting a major artery.

He fell into the arms of a nearby policeman, but died three hours later in hospital.

Despite a nationwide appeal for help from the police and a £10,000 reward offered by his family, the killer was never caught.

A police spokesman said: "The murder file remains open and any information anybody may have to offer would be acted upon and investigated."

Cllr Hanscomb, who lives in Heaton, said he did not wish to comment about the anniversary.

His son was considered as being brilliant in scientific circles and was involved in the development of the DNA genetic fingerprint test.

When he died, Dr Hanscomb, who lived in Highgate, London, was researching tinnitus, which causes ringing in the ears.

There were two deaths at the Notting Hill Carnival last year and the police will be spending £4 million this weekend on policing the event.

Around 4,000 officers will be drafted in, some equipped with metal detectors to try to stop people carrying guns and knives.