SIX years after a man was found murdered in his home, detectives are urging the person who did it to hand themselves in.

Detectives investigating the murder of John 'The Badge' Roberts, who was found beaten to death in his home in Winlaton on December 16, 2012, have made a fresh appeal for information.

The Newcastle United fan, who was known for selling Magpies’ merchandise outside the Tyneside Irish Centre on match days, lived by himself in Park Terrace.

Police found the 32-year-old at the property with a serious head injury.

In the months that followed his death, a huge police investigation was launches, with thousands of people spoken to, hundreds of house-to-house enquiries conducted and a number of arrests made.

However, nobody was ever charged with his murder and those responsible continue to escape justice.

Now, on the sixth anniversary of his death, senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Lisa Theaker is leading a fresh appeal for information.

Detective Superintendent Theaker said: "This murder may have taken place six years ago but the investigation into John's death is not closed and it never will be until we catch those responsible.

"We know that a lot can happen in six years but I would urge anyone who might have any information about what happened to come forward, even if you think the information you have might be insignificant or irrelevant, we will act on all new information.

"For the person responsible, living with a murder on your shoulders can be terrifying. Stop looking over your shoulder and hand yourself in to police.

"John’s family have already suffered through six long years without him and without knowing who did this to him. They deserve to see the person responsible held to account and brought to justice.”

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.