IT’S a murder that has shocked a community and brought fear to a city housing estate.

Now those living and working on Southampton’s Northam Estate are pleading with fellow residents to shop the thugs who battered quiet 6ft 5in Shawn Williams so badly he died of his injuries.

They want the gang behind the savage beating locked up and police have vowed to protect those who help their investigation.

Many were too scared to give their names when commenting on the assault for fear of reprisals.

Some described the attackers as “cowards” and urged police to act fast.

They spoke after detectives hunting the killers released a graphic picture of Shawn taken in an ambulance shortly after the attack.

The 42-year-old’s grieving parents gave permission for the photograph to be issued in the hope it brings his attackers to justice.

Northam resident Sharon Smith said the murder had brought fear to the estate.

The 34-year-old mum, said: “The people that attacked that man need to be caught. They are cowards.

“We should not have to feel worried about walking around here at all.”

One shopkeeper, added: “A lot of things go on here.

“It is not surprising, but it worries me that whoever did it has not been caught yet.”

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Shawn, who weighed 17 stone has been described as a gentle giant, was found by dog walker Terry Clarke close to Springford Road in Coxford last week.

Police investigations into the gruesome discovery revealed he had walked from his home in Victoria Road, Woolston, on July 3, before being beaten from behind sometime between 7.30am and 8.30am.

He staggered bleeding and bruised to a nearby bus stop where a passer-by dialled 999 for medical help.

But CCTV footage revealed that Shawn, known to his family as Simon, discharged himself from hospital hours after arriving.

Police think he may only have been able to walk to the nearby patch of woodland where his body was eventually found.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Powell said Northam may well hold the key to determining who was responsible for Shawn’s death.

He said: “I have a strong and clear message for the people of Northam. If you saw what happened on July 3, or have any information, we need you to come forward.

“We cannot allow whoever killed Shawn to walk the streets. We are working hard and have a team of experienced officers focused on this investigation, but we cannot do this alone and we need the people of Northam to tell us what they know.

“People living in the estate have the key to helping us solve this and I cannot imagine what Shawn’s family are going through.”

He added that he was “extremely aware” that residents may feel intimidated or frightened and vowed to protect witnesses who could talk anonymously.

One resident, June Maunders, 56, said: “I have lived here 27 years and have never really had any trouble.

“But this attack is disgusting. It is not pleasant to think something like this has happened here.

“It’s worrying that they are still on the loose.”