A £5,000 reward has been offered over the death of “gentle giant” Glyn Helliwell.

And in a “major development” yesterday afternoon, detectives found what they believe to be Mr Helliwell’s missing mobile phone at a business in Colville Road, Pokesdown.

Mr Helliwell, the popular chef at the Bistro on the Beach in Southbourne, died in Royal Bournemouth Hospital after being found stabbed in Parkwood Road late on Wednesday, July 6.

The Colville Road property was cordoned off following the discovery of the Sony Erikkson k800i, and specialist officers moved in.

DCI Kevin Connolly said: “We consider this discovery as a major development in this investigation.

“I am appealing to anyone with information that may help our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.”

The public have a key role to play in solving the case, he added, reiterating a plea to help recover the missing weapon – a knife.

Crime fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction on in the case.

Mr Helliwell’s boss has described him as a “gentle giant” and a “true gentleman”.

Dave Cording, chief executive of Crimestoppers, said: “This is a serious crime which has resulted in a man losing his life. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased as we see another incident of knife crime unsettling a local community.

“We hope the offender or offenders will be swiftly brought to justice and we would urge anyone with information to contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our anonymous online information form.

“No personal details are taken and communication routes are not traced or recorded. No one will know who you are.”

The reward of up to £5,000 is available to anyone providing information to Crimestoppers which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible. Rewards can only be claimed by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and cannot be claimed via the online form.

Two men, aged 21 and 28, were arrested last week and later released on police bail.