AN appeal is being made to the criminal underworld to help bring the killer or killers of a drug addict to justice.

The decomposing remains of father-of-two Darren "Duggie" Manders were found partly concealed under a pile of logs in a copse at Linthorpe, on the edge of Middlesbrough, last week - nearly a month after his mother last saw him alive.

Acting Detective Superintendent Karnail Dulku, of Cleveland Police, said yesterday: "I would appeal to Darren's friends and associates to come forward and tell us what they know about him. Someone out there knows who is responsible.

"No one should be robbed of their life like that."

Mr Dulku appealed to people not to be judgemental.

"It is known that Darren was a drug addict - but drug addiction knows no social boundaries, it can happen to anyone. This could be their son, husband or brother."

Mr Dulku said the 31-year-old's "nice and decent" parents had repeatedly tried to wean their son off drugs.

He said: "Darren has not been seen by his mother since June 3. He was reported missing to the police on June 27.

"At this time, I do not know how long Darren's body has lain undiscovered in the wood. So, if anybody has information about him, no matter what it is, could they please come forward and speak to my officers."

Mr Manders, who Mr Dulku said was known to the police, was identified by a palm print. He shared a house with several others in Bow Street, central Middlesbrough.

He had two sons, one aged ten and the other, 11, from a previous relationship, and the girlfriend with whom he was most recently living is pregnant.

Mr Dulku said Mr Manders' killer or killers may have been disturbed or panicked while disposing of the body, and that was how it came to be only partly concealed. His head had been battered. The body was discovered by a man walking his dog on July 2.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on (01642) 303188, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.