POLICE investigating the murder of a middle-aged man have renewed their appeal for information two months after he was last seen.

Robert Hutchinson, 57, has not been seen since Monday, June 23, when he drove from his home in Corporation Road, Hendon, Sunderland, at 6.20pm in his blue Nissan Micra.

His car was left in Stewart Street between 10pm on Monday, June 23, and 6am on Tuesday, June 24. It was found on July 13.

The disappearance is being treated as a murder investigation.

Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a £3,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett said: "We still need people to come forward with information, it doesn't matter if the information may seem minor and insignificant, this is an active murder investigation and it is vital people come forward and speak to us.

"Robert was well known in Sunderland and people were used to seeing him around, someone will have seen him, someone will know what has happened to him. We urgently need these people to come forward."

DCI Barrett added: "Robert has a partner, daughter, son and grandson and is part of a large family who are all absolutely devastated. They need answers and need to know what has happened to him. Information from the local community is crucial to our enquiries, I would ask those with information who are not passing this on to us to think how they would feel if it was their family member and loved one, we need these people to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 410 260614 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.