DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of people they want to speak to in connection with a murder.

David Wilson, 51, was pronounced dead on Sunday (December 14) at an address in Southwick Road, Southwick, Sunderland.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is now on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an alleged mugging nearby between 3.30am and 4.15am on Sunday that may be linked.

A man rang police saying he had been mugged near the Post Office ATM in Southwick Green.

CCTV shows the mugging victim and a person at the ATM at around 4.09am. It also shows another person at the cash machine at around 4.17am.

Officers want to speak to them as they may have information that could help with the investigation.

Det Chief Insp Christina Barrett said: "We are looking into whether or not it is linked in someway to the murder of David Wilson and we really need help from the public and the people in Southwick.

"The footage shows there were people in the area around the Post Office ATM and we really need to identify and speak to them about what happened there.

"I'd urge local residents, taxi drivers, or anyone who was in the area on Sunday morning and who might have seen or heard anything to contact us with information as soon as possible.

“If anyone recognises the people in the images, perhaps from the distinctive red hat or clothing, then I'd also ask them to get in touch and pass any information on to police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference number 583 14/12/14, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.