DETECTIVES investigating the murder of David Wilson are keen to speak to a man who made a call to police before his body was found.

Mr Wilson, 49, was found dead inside an address in Southwick Road, Sunderland, on Sunday, December 14.

The call to police was made in the vicinity of the Half Way House pub in Southwick, near to the address, where the body of Mr Wilson was found.

The man made the call to police at 4.41am on Sunday, December 14, saying he was lost and needed to know how to get back to Gateshead from Sunderland. He said his lift had been unable to collect him as had been arranged.

The caller mentions that he can see a pub called The Half Way House in Southwick, which is also on Southwick Road.

Police are keen to speak to the man on the phone as he has been in the area at the time and may have information to help police with Inquiries.

Officers would also urge the person who was expected to pick the caller up from the Southwick area to contact police.

Police are also investigating a robbery believed to be connected with the incident and continue to appeal for information.

At 4.18am on Sunday, December 14, police received a report from a man saying he had been mugged near to the Post Office cash machine in Southwick Green.

Detective Inspector Mark Ord said: "This is a complicated case and we need the help of the public to help provide vital information to help solve this investigation.”

Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 583 14/12/14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.