Detectives will attend a murder victim's funeral today.

Detective Superintendent Karnail Dulku will be among mourners of Darren Manders, whose battered and decomposed remains were found hidden in woodland, last month.

He will arrive at the Teesside Crematorium, Middlesbrough, with Detective Sergeant Andy Vickers, who is his number two on the team hunting the killers of the 31-year-old heroin addict.

Earlier this month, Mr Manders' heartbroken parents, Terry and Lesley, made an emotional public appeal for help. They will be accompanied to the funeral by his two young sons.

Mr Manders' body was discovered by a dog walker, partially hidden under a pile of logs at Starvation Clump, a copse on the edge of Nunthorpe.

Police attention switched to Bow Street, in central Middlesbrough, where Darren shared a house - and where he was last seen alive.

As part of the investigation, officers raided five houses in and around Bow Street, where they set up an incident room.

Detective Supt Dulku said: "We still need to speak to as many people as possible who knew, or were acquainted with Darren and can help us piece together his movements.''

Anyone able to help is asked to call the incident room on (01642) 303188 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.