A DRIVER police wanted to trace as part of the investigation in the murder of Shane Tunney has come forward, Cleveland Police revealed today.

Officers investigating the death of Mr Tunney had previously appealed to trace the driver of an Audi A3 or S3 that was parked near to Tesco Express on Norton High Street in Norton, Stockton, between midnight and 1.50am on Saturday, June 27.

A short time later an incident took place on Holly Street in which the 24-year-old suffered severe head injuries. He died in hospital almost five weeks later.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young, said: “As a result of a recent appeal to trace the driver of an Audi, we have spoken with a man who came forward and said that he was the driver of the vehicle that evening.

"I would like to thank him for coming forward and speaking with us.

“The investigation into the murder of Shane Tunney remains very active.

"We are continuing with a number of lines of enquiry and would like to take this opportunity to again appeal to any witnesses or anyone with information to contact us.

"In particular, we have not had any further contact with a woman who made an anonymous call to us from a phone box on Thursday, July 9.

"If that woman is reading this or hearing about this appeal, I would urge her to contact us again as she may have information which could assist us.”

At about 2am on June 27, Mr Tunney and his friend, Anthony Kirk, visited the cash machine at Tesco Express on Norton High Street on their way to a local takeaway.

A verbal argument took place with a group of young males who had climbed onto the roof of Tesco Express and pelted the two friends with food. The men then walked away in the direction of Norton Road.

A short time later, Mr Tunney and Mr Kirk were confronted and then allegedly assaulted 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.

Mr Tunney had been offered a lift away from the scene by a passing motorist, but would not leave his friend. The group of youths then made off through an alley next to the church, away from the High Street.

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 www.crimestoppers-uk.org.