DETECTIVES investigating a possible murder have issued a fresh appeal five years after a Hartlepool father disappeared.

Seven men were arrested on suspicion of the murder of Scott Fletcher earlier this year and remain on police bail while investigations continue.

Mr Fletcher was 28 when he was last seen on May 11, 2011 near the Jet garage on the A181 at Wheatley Hill, County Durham at about 8.20pm.

Detective Superintendent Jon Green of Cleveland Police said: “Tomorrow marks the fifth anniversary of Scott’s disappearance and his family are still struggling to come to terms with what’s happened.

“We want to be able to end this nightmare for them and provide some answers. The last reported sighting of him was in Wheatley Hill in Durham, but we’re still continuing to appeal to anyone with information, however insignificant they may feel that information to be, to contact police.

“I believe we are making progress and would again ask anyone with information which could help to contact Cleveland Police via the non-emergency number 101."

Mr Fletcher was dad to primary school children Lucie, and his older stepson, Bradly. His body has never been found.

Information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”