DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a 48-year-old father have released details of a vehicle they are trying to trace.

Keith Weightman, 48, of St Cuthbert's Drive, Felling, Gateshead, was found with a stab wound at the rear of the town's Crowhall Lane at about 9.25pm on Sunday, September 10. He died in hospital.

The car police are trying to trace is a blue five-door Mondeo LX 1800cc, registration M458 HNR. It has not been seen since soon after the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Ford, who is leading the investigation, said: "My staff and I remain as determined as ever to find those people responsible for the murder of Keith.

"Since Keith's murder in September, we have continued to follow a number of lines of inquiry.

"As a direct result of these inquiries, I am making an appeal in connection with a particular vehicle.

"It is vitally important that anyone who has seen this vehicle since the murder, or who knows its current location, comes forward as quickly as possible so that we can eliminate it from our inquiries.

"I would appeal directly to anyone who has had this car in their possession since Keith's murder in September, or who currently owns the vehicle, to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-221-9087 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.