POLICE investigating the murder of 11-year-old Dean Pike in an arson attack have been putting up posters appealing for information as they face a wall of silence from a community.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin, who is leading the investigation into the fire on the Deerness Estate, in Hendon, Sunderland, said last night: "I find it despicable that no-one has come forward to help us solve Dean's murder. What we have here is the horrendous murder an 11-year-old boy, yet the response from the community continues to be extremely disappointing.

"I would again ask people to look deep within themselves and come forward to talk to us.

"These posters are a way of reinforcing to people the information that we are after.

"We still want to hear from people who may have seen anything suspicious in the area or have any information about the fire."

The posters are being displayed in Hendon and Sunderland city centre.

The fire happened in Mordey Close, Hendon, Sunderland, on Friday, June 24, at 12.55am. Dean died in the blaze, while his heavily pregnant mother Janine Dodd, 29, was seriously hurt. She was last night still unaware that her son died in the fire.

Detectives have spoken to three of Ms Dodd's former boyfriends, but want to speak to another three in particular.

Meanwhile, neighbours have called for the house to be bulldozed. Residents have said a memorial to Dean and a garden for children to play football could replace the house.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555, ext 66718.