POLICE hunting the killers of John “The Badge’’ Roberts hope a cash reward will provide vital information.

Football memorabilia seller Mr Roberts, who was 32, was found dead at his home in Park Terrace, Winlaton, Gateshead, on Sunday, December 16.

He died of a serious head injury.

Detectives have spoken to hundreds of people as part of their murder enquiry.

A man has been arrested but was released on bail and no-one has yet been charged.

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of an unspecified sum for information that brings the culprits to justice.

Detective Superintendent Roger Ford said: "Crimestoppers are putting up a reward for information that leads to the arrest and charge of whoever is responsible for the murder of John Roberts and we are hoping this reward could potentially spur someone into passing on information.

"We have arrested a man in connection with the enquiry however we continue to appeal for anyone with any information that could help the investigation to get in touch with us.

"I must stress that anyone with information and who wants to pass it on can do so without giving any of their details and without even speaking directly to the police. That is what the charity Crimestoppers is there for."

The last confirmed sighting of Mr Roberts was around 6.30pm on Saturday, December 15 at the Kandola store on Hazel Road, approximately 400 metres from where he lived.

Anyone with any information should call Northumbria Police’s major crime team on 101, extension 69191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.