DETECTIVES trying to solve the murder of a 24-year-old man who was beaten up on the street have released CCTV images of a car.

Shane Tunney and his friend, Anthony Kirk, were apparently beaten up by a gang of youths on Norton High Street at Norton, near Stockton at about 2am on Saturday, June 27 and Mr Tunney died nearly five weeks later.

Police want the driver of the Audi A3 or S3, parked near to Tesco Express, between midnight and 1.50am, to come forward as they may have seen the gang shortly before the attack.

A total of nine people have already been arrested in connection with the murder.

Mr Tunney, a car valeter and driver, and his friend had visited the cash machine at Tesco Express on Norton High Street on their way to a local takeaway. A verbal argument took place with the group of youngsters who had climbed onto the roof of Tesco Express and pelted them with food. The men then walked away in the direction of Norton Road.

A short time later, the pair were confronted and then allegedly attacked by a group of youths at the junction of Holly Street.

Police believe that an implement was used in the attack and that the pair were kicked, stamped on and punched. Shane had been offered a lift away from the scene by a passing motorist, but would not leave his friend.

The youths then made off through an alley next to the church, away from the High Street.

Mr Tunney sustained severe head injuries and was taken to hospital but died last Wednesday.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young, said: “I make another appeal today in relation to the driver of the Audi seen in the CCTV images to come forward and speak to us. The driver of this vehicle may have seen a group of youths in the area of Tesco Express shortly before the incident that took place on Holly Street. Any information which he or she may have could greatly assist us in this investigation and we would urge the driver to get in touch with us.”

Nine teenagers remain on bail pending further enquiries in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.