Relatives of murdered Jay Abatan may consider taking a private prosecution if it is decided there is no chance of getting a conviction in the case.

Jay's brother Michael said it was one of the options being considered following a meeting last night with CPS officials, Sussex Chief Constable Ken Jones, detectives in the case and legal teams at CID headquarters in Brighton.

Michael stressed after the two-hour meeting that the family would only consider going ahead with a private prosecution if all else failed.

They were hopeful someone would still come forward with vital evidence on who struck the blow that knocked out his brother.

Jay was sent crashing to the pavement in the early hours of the morning outside the Ocean Rooms night club in Morley Street, Brighton, in January 1999.

Jay, 42, a father-of-two from Eastbourne and a successful accountant, died from head injuries.

His attacker or attackers have yet to be convicted, despite a £175,000 reward.

At last night's meeting, police records and statements and full details of the investigation were discussed.

Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley, who has taken up the case on behalf of the family, was also present.

The Abatan family had asked for the meeting amid fears the investigation was being wound down. A recent announcement by the CPS said there was not enough evidence to charge anyone.

Michael said: "The investigation is being wound down but it is not going to close. We are still hopeful of getting justice for Jay.

"We have talked to our solicitors about a private prosecution and it is an option, but we are hoping the vital evidence that could lead to a successful prosecution will be found by police so the CPS can go ahead.

"The attack happened within two minutes' walk of a police station. There were people around and we are still hopeful of getting a call that will say who punched Jay. The police just want to know who punched Jay."

Chief Constable Ken Jones said: "In no way is this investigation over. The CPS clearly wants a judgment and we have to find the evidence for that successful prosecution."

Mr Jones, previously assistant chief constable of Somerset and Avon, led a Police Complaints Authority inquiry into the way Sussex Police had dealt with the investigation.