DETECTIVES hunting the gang which shot an IRA informant have reissued a phone message they believe could hold vital clues.

Martin McGartland was shot with six bullets four years ago today, in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

He survived thanks to neighbours, who stemmed the blood flow with cling film until an ambulance arrived.

Later that year, police released a tape recording of a man they believed was a member of the hit gang.

The ten-second recording was left on an answer phone in response to an advert in a classified car magazine for a van similar to that used in the shooting.

Northumbria Police has posted the recording on its website.

Chief Superintendent Chris Symonds, who heads the investigation, said: "Although the taped message only lasts about ten seconds, the caller does not appear to have disguised his voice and we are confident that it would be recognisable to anyone who knows him.

"We need to trace this man who could provide vital information to this investigation."

The gunman hid in a Bedford Rascal van, registration E888 CTY, before shooting Mr McGartland as he tried to get into his car. The van was abandoned as the man fled with an accomplice in a red, H-registration Nissan Bluebird which is still to be traced.

Anyone who thinks they recognise the caller can call police via the www.northumbria.police.uk website.