DETECTIVES have received a very promising response to the Crimewatch TV appeal into the death of drugs cash tycoon Peter Beaumont-Gowling.

Mr Beaumont-Gowling's murder was featured on the BBC programme on Wednesday night and police have had a number of useful calls, a spokesman said last night.

Police have also put up a £25,000 award for the capture of Mr Beaumont-Gowling's killers.

Mr Beaumont-Gowling was shot at close range at his home in Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, a number of times in his head, chest and back on St Valentine's Day, probably just after 2pm. A small-calibre handgun was used.

A police spokesman said of the television appeal: "It was a very promising response but we are unable to say much more than that at this stage."