THE murder of Herefordshire skydiver Stephen Hilder has created a deep paranoia within the sport, it has been revealed.

Police have still not identified the 20-year-old's killer, who severed the cords to his main and reserve chutes more than three months ago.

The sabotage plunged Mr Hilder, of Stretton Sugwas, to his death during a routine skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield in north Lincolnshire on Friday, July 4.

In a national newspaper yesterday, leading skydiver and lawyer Richard Pedley said this still unsolved crime was creating a "fearful impact" upon the community.

He said since this fateful day "the trust that exists between British skydivers was broken for the first time".

He added the murder had created a general unease and forced skydivers to close ranks.

Mr Hilder hit the ground at 120mph, just a few hundred yards from the hangar where his chute had been tampered with.