POLICE investigating the murder of a father shot dead at work have made a fresh appeal for information two years on.

Businessman Stephen Sweeney's body was found by his partner and seven-year-old daughter at his Gateshead upholstery factory on the night of July 8, 1998.

Northumbria detectives are still desperate for information about the murder.

Mr Sweeney, 45, was working late at Cascade Upholsterers, in Stoneygate Lane, Felling, when the killer or killers struck.

His body was discovered by Carol Taylor, who went to the factory with their daughter, Siobhan, after Mr Sweeney was late returning home.

A post-mortem examination revealed he had died from being shot more than once. An extensive murder investigation was launched.

Detective chief inspector Jim Rowley has worked on the investigation from the beginning.

He said: "We believe there are still some individuals who have not yet come forward who have critical information which could help us find the person or people responsible for this murder."

The shooting happened on the evening of the football World Cup semi-final between France and Croatia. Mr Sweeney was last seen alive by colleagues at 5.10pm and his body was found shortly after 9pm.

As a result of police inquiries, other serious offences have been uncovered.

In one case, a man was jailed for three years for arson and, in a separate case, three men and a woman are due to appear in court next month charged with conspiracy to import drugs.

Det Chief Insp Rowley stressed any information given to the police would be dealt with in the strictest confidence and said Northumbria Police were prepared to protect any witnesses who come forward.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the incident room at Gateshead East Area Command on 0191-221 9058.