DETECTIVES hunting three men involved in the shooting of an IRA informer have revealed they were investigating "interesting new information".

The new information has come to light since police launched a new appeal for information in June, after revealing they may have a genetic fingerprint of one of the attackers.

Three men are suspected of planning the shooting of Martin McGartland, 29, as he sat in his car in Duchess Street, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

The double agent survived the attack, which occurred in June 1999, and has been moved to a secret address.

He claims to have saved 50 lives by tipping off police about IRA attacks.

A police spokesman confirmed fresh information had been received but was reluctant to give too much away at this stage. She said: "Interesting information did come forwad as a result of our last appeal. We are following that up as part of our on-going investigations."

As well as the DNA police also have the gun used to shoot Mr McGartland - a Czech made 9mm CZ pistol found south of the Tyne, near the Redheugh Bridge in Gateshead.

The three men believed to have been involved in planning the shooting may have stayed in the region for ten days in the Saltwell Park, Shipcote, Deckham, Teams or Bensham areas of Gateshead in late May or early June last year. Investigators also need to trace a red saloon car, thought to be similar to a Nissan Bluebird.

Anyone with any information should call the police on (01661) 869675